Page 52 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 3: Reference Librarian

They require hand-eye coordination to use pointing devices, upper limb coordination to Notes
shelve materials and multiple limb coordination to climb ladders. They require limited
strength to move books and catalogues.
Attitudes: Librarians must enjoy serving the public and learning about a wide range of
general interest and specialist topics.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills: In the future, librarians will need sophisticated
computer use skills because more resources will be digitized and made available
electronically. Librarians will increasingly need to teach users how to access resources
and refine searches for information. They will take a major role in importing and procuring
selected resources to their libraries’ digital collections.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
5. ……………………………… select, develop, organize and maintain library collections and
provide advisory services for users.

6. They require limited strength to move ……………………………………..

3.4 Reference Librarian: Nature of the Work

A reference librarian is an individual who helps to track down specific, requested information.
Many of these professionals work for public libraries, schools and universities. This position
performs administrative, supervisory, and professional duties requiring adherence to standards
of accuracy, timeliness, tact, and confidentiality. Position requires ability to move and shelve
heavy books. Position works varying work schedule and includes some evenings and weekends.
Consequence of errors may result in dissatisfied library users and loss of time to find and correct
mistakes.
The traditional concept of a library is being redefined, from a place to access paper records or
books, to one which also houses the most advanced mediums, including CD-ROM, the Internet,
virtual libraries, and remote access to a wide range of resources. Consequently, librarians are
increasingly combining traditional duties with tasks involving quickly changing technology.
Librarians assist people in finding information and using it effectively in their personal and
professional lives. They must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public
information sources, and follow trends related to publishing, computers, and the media to
effectively oversee the selection and organization of library materials. Librarians manage staff
and develop and direct information programs and systems for the public to ensure information
is organized to meet users’ needs.
Most librarian positions incorporate three aspects of library work—user services, technical
services, and administrative services. Even librarians specializing in one of these areas perform
other responsibilities. Librarians in user services, such as reference and children’s librarians,
work with the public to help them find the information they need. This involves analyzing
users’ needs to determine what information is appropriate, and searching for, acquiring, and
providing information. It also includes an instructional role, such as showing users how to
access information.

Example: Librarians commonly help users navigate the Internet, showing them how to
most efficiently search for relevant information.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 47