Page 51 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Information Sources and Services

Notes Use the Internet.

Example: They place orders on-line for resource materials such as journals and books.
They access newsletters from other libraries and professional associations. They use various
search engines to research new authors, reference requests and reviews of books. They
host on-line discussions with users. They may use distance-training software to instruct
users and co-navigate virtual tours of databases and web sites.

Use word processing.

Example: They use programs such as Word to write letters, reviews and monthly reports.
They create signs to direct users to specific locations and inform users of available services.
They create brochures, library guides, announcements and press releases.
Use databases.

Example: They use databases for tasks such as cataloguing new acquisitions, culling
collections and requesting inter-library loans.
They query both their own organizations’ and public databases such as EBSCOHost.
I. Continuous Learning
Librarians learn continuously to remain knowledgeable about topics and titles of interest to
library users. The majority of learning occurs through their daily activities and interactions
with co-workers, colleagues and library users. They may attend courses offered by their
organizations to enhance software and research skills and local, national and international
conferences sponsored by professional associations.
Learning may be acquired:

As part of regular work activity.
From co-workers.
Through training offered in the workplace.

Through reading or other forms of self-study
at work.
on worker’s own time.
using materials available through work.
using materials obtained through a professional association or union.

using materials obtained on worker’s own initiative.
Through off-site training
during working hours at no cost to the worker.
J. Other Information
In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with job
incumbents also asked about the following topics:
Physical Aspects: Librarians sit when reviewing publishers’ catalogues, stand and
walk about libraries to view various collections and bend and reach for books on shelves.

46 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY