Competencies for research librarians

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I came across this important information and felt I should share this with you. To read more and get bibligraphy check the http://www.aserl.org/statements/competencies/competencies.htm


Competencies for research librarians
Attributes of the successful research librarian include intellectual curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, persistence, and the ability to be enterprising. Research librarians possess excellent communication skills. They are committed to life-long learning and personal career development.

1. The research librarian develops and manages effective services that meet user needs and support the research library's mission.

Provides excellent service, customized to meet the needs of individual users


Is knowledgeable about technology (theoretical and skills-based) and applies it to improve services


Anticipates user needs and critically evaluates and assesses existing and new services and systems to ensure that user needs are met


Is innovative, seeking out and acting upon new opportunities and challenges


Plans, prioritizes and organizes work in order to focus on what is critical


Participates in and applies strategic planning


Is able to adapt business approaches to library operations to ensure accountability and the wise use of limited resources


Communicates effectively with others outside of the library
2. The research librarian supports cooperation and collaboration to enhance service.

Is able to work effectively with diverse groups, creating an environment of mutual respect


Forms and maintains partnerships both within and outside of the university community


Seeks opportunities to share expertise and knowledge


Works effectively as part of a team


Provides leadership
3. The research librarian understands the library within the context of higher education (its purpose and goals) and the needs of students, faculty, and researchers.

Understands teaching, learning, and research, and seeks to provide services that will enhance these endeavors


Is able to help users learn


Is an advocate for the library and the university


Is able to communicate the importance of library services to the higher education community


Serves as an effective member of the university


Is an expert consultant to the university on information


Participates in and supports fund-raising efforts on behalf of the university

4. The research librarian knows the structure, organization, creation, management, dissemination, use, and preservation of information resources, new and existing, in all formats.

Often has specialized subject knowledge to support collection development within the library and research and teaching within the university


Understands how information and the research library support and enhance scholarly communication


Understands the implications of information policy, including laws regarding copyright, licensing, and intellectual property


Is able to critically evaluate and assess existing and new information resources in relation to user needs


Describes and translates intellectual resources in a way that is useful to others
5. The research librarian demonstrates commitment to the values and principles of librarianship.

Connects people to ideas


Provides free and open access to information


Demonstrates commitment to literacy and learning


Shows respect for individuality and diversity


Supports freedom for all people to form, hold, and express their own beliefs


Preserves the human record


Provides excellence in service


Forms partnerships to advance these values

Conclusion
Research libraries are key partners in higher education, critical to the ability of universities to succeed in teaching and research. Research libraries will also continue to be important sources for the support and promotion of new developments in librarianship. Changes in the library environment, such as technological innovations and legal limitations on the use of information, will continue to offer opportunities for research librarians to gain and apply new knowledge. At the same time, the expertise that librarians have developed in organizing, providing access to, and preserving information will become more important than ever. The research librarian of the future will have more opportunities to support learning, enhance teaching, and improve research, providing services to the users of today as well as anticipating the needs of the users of tomorrow.


Linda Mbonambi