The academic librarian typically works in an academic or special library at a postsecondary educational institution such as a university or college. While specializing in a particular subject may be the one purpose of certain positions, the job mainly revolves around supporting student research and academic success. Academic librarians may specialize in a particular subject of study or with a particular group of people on the campus, depending upon the size of the institution. General reference work may be balanced with specialized projects or with teaching information-seeking and information literary skills to students.

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In order to support the curriculum of the institution, academic librarians perform several duties starting with organizing and maintaining collections relevant to the needs of the students, faculty and staff. Collections of books and materials are reviewed for relevancy routinely, unnecessary materials are weeded, and new materials are purchased to fill gaps in information coverage or to fulfill requests. Preservation, another skill in librarianship, is necessary to maintain the usability of collections both short-term and long-term.

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Academic librarians perform many duties within the library, including demonstrating and teaching to students the use of computers to locate information in catalogs and databases, creating and implementing campus-wide programs, providing in-class instruction, and assisting faculty and students with locating information for specific class assignments. In special collections, curation of exhibits to display rare materials and archives may also be part of a librarian’s duties. Each duty requires skill in customer service as well as knowledge of organizing systems and information-seeking behaviors.

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To create a welcoming and useful environment for all students, librarians must consider how their buildings, departments, equipment, and technology can be utilized by any possible user, including individuals with various disabilities and those students who may be pursuing their degrees through distance-learning opportunities. Positive interactions with students and visitors improve the community’s perception of the library as a valuable place for learning; active librarians play a major role in achieving this goal through promotional materials, public exhibits, and outreach programs.

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Some academic library positions include a tenure track, a system which promotes professional and institutional engagement by requiring research and publication, as well as membership or participation in professional organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Librarians on a tenure track divide their daily time between the above-listed duties, research and writing activities, travel to conferences, and participation in committees.

 

For information about pursuing a career path in librarianship, visit the ALA website.

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For more about the Association of College and Research Libraries, visit the website.

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