Page 58 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 3: Reference Librarian

learning objects. They instruct library users on how to find, evaluate and use information Notes
effectively. They are most common in academic libraries.

Media specialists teach students to find and analyse information, purchase books and
other resources for the school library, supervise library assistants, and are responsible for
all aspects of running the library/media centre. Both library media teachers (LMTs) and
young adult public librarians order books and other materials that will interest their
young adult patrons. They also must help YAs find relevant and authoritative Internet
resources. Helping this age group to become lifelong learners and readers is a main
objective of professionals in this library specialty.

Outreach librarians are charged with providing library and information services for
underrepresented groups, such as people with disabilities, low income neighbourhoods,
home bound adults and seniors, incarcerated and ex-offenders, and homeless and rural
communities. In academic libraries, outreach librarians might focus on high school students,
transfer students, first-generation college students, and minorities.
Public service librarians work with the public, frequently at the reference desk of lending
libraries. Some specialize in serving adults or children. Children’s librarians provide
appropriate material for children at all age levels, include pre-readers, conduct specialized
programs and work with the children (and often their parents) to help foster interest and
competence in the young reader. (In larger libraries, some specialize in teen services,
periodicals, or other special collections.)

Reference or research librarians help people doing research to find the information they
need, through a structured conversation called a reference interview. The help may take
the form of research on a specific question, providing direction on the use of databases and
other electronic information resources; obtaining specialized materials from other sources;
or providing access to and care of delicate or expensive materials. These services are
sometimes provided by other library staff that has been given a certain amount of special
training; some have criticized this trend.
Systems librarians develop, troubleshoot and maintain library systems, including the
library catalogue and related systems. Technical service librarians work “behind the scenes”
ordering library materials and database subscriptions, computers and other equipment,
and supervise the cataloguing and physical processing of new materials.

A young adult or YA librarian serves patrons who are between 12 and 18 years old. Young
adults are those patrons that look to library services to give them direction and guidance
toward recreation, education, and emancipation. A young adult librarian could work in
several different institutions; one might be a school library/media teacher, a member of
a public library team, or a librarian in a penal institution. Licensing for library/media
teacher includes a Bachelor or Master of Arts in Teaching and additional higher-level
course work in library science. YA librarians who work in public libraries usually have a
Master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science (MLIS), relevant work experience,
or a related credential.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
12. ............................. librarians monitor the selection of books and electronic resources.
13. In ..................................., outreach librarians might focus on high school students, transfer
students, first-generation college students, and minorities.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 53