5XÉçÇø

The Nature of Academic Librarianship

Librarianship is a service profession founded on the principles of intellectual freedom and the right of access to information. The profession has a long history of commitment to meeting the informational, reading, and research needs of diverse library users. In academic libraries, the emphasis on service is complemented by the scholarship of academic librarians. Their endeavors include research that advances knowledge within the discipline and practice within the profession.  

Academic librarians actively participate in the educational mission of their institution. They are responsible for selecting and making accessible information that supports their institution's needs. The collections are developed to appropriate levels by matching instructional and research needs to institutional resources. Librarians organize and make accessible materials using a variety of technologies. As experts in various aspects of library research methods and strategies, librarians provide a valuable link between the world of scholarly knowledge and the students, faculty, and staff who seek information. They instruct students, faculty, and staff on how to identify, access, utilize, and manage information pertinent to their needs.   

Librarians maintain a command of established and emerging technologies to benefit library users and enhance the nature of their own scholarly inquiries. This includes the creation of tools to guide users at all levels in navigating and functioning successfully within the information world. Librarians must be well-versed in current resources and information seeking processes in all of the disciplines found at the University; they use this knowledge to support students and faculty in their studies, research, and teaching.  

Educational Background

A master's degree is the terminal degree in academic librarianship. Accordingly, a basic requirement for appointment to a faculty position in University Libraries is the master's degree in library and information science from a graduate program that is fully accredited by the American Library Association, or the equivalent. An exception may be made, in accordance with Section IV.A.1, if an applicant possesses an advanced degree in another field or has comparable experience in addition to a bachelor's degree which makes her or his experience especially valuable to the position being filled.

Approved by University Libraries Faculty, 12/14/11
Approved by the Provost, 05/02/12