Great episode. One thought I have is whether libraries can/do rethink job descriptions which can cover the services needed. For instance, one of my MLIS students said their position as a reference librarian is often taken up with tasks such as resumes, job finding, etc. "Traditional" reference does not exist much, but the need for information assistance: housing, food, employment etc are ongoing concerns. "Community Resources" is just another way to describe reference, as does "outreach." It seems we need to look at outdated job titles because people, like this student, are often doing things outside of the traditional librarian role. But these are at the heart of what a librarian has always been.
You raise a great point, Bob. I agree that modifying job descriptions and titles to more accurately reflect what actual library duties and responsibilities entail ensures clearer communication from the start. These should also be clarified during job interviews and orientations.
Great episode. One thought I have is whether libraries can/do rethink job descriptions which can cover the services needed. For instance, one of my MLIS students said their position as a reference librarian is often taken up with tasks such as resumes, job finding, etc. "Traditional" reference does not exist much, but the need for information assistance: housing, food, employment etc are ongoing concerns. "Community Resources" is just another way to describe reference, as does "outreach." It seems we need to look at outdated job titles because people, like this student, are often doing things outside of the traditional librarian role. But these are at the heart of what a librarian has always been.
You raise a great point, Bob. I agree that modifying job descriptions and titles to more accurately reflect what actual library duties and responsibilities entail ensures clearer communication from the start. These should also be clarified during job interviews and orientations.