The academic librarian and the academe

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the increased lack of clarity about the professional role of academic librarians, and where the future lies in the academic environment during this period of fast information environment change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on developments in the area of academic librarianship in a new information environment.

Findings

The profession is finding ways to become equipped and incorporate new technologies into the existing framework of high‐quality information service delivery. As the demands and wishes of end users transform, librarians have sought to re‐define what the library building and services mean to those who use the library. Because the nature of the content librarians work with is dramatically re‐structuring, so the profession is experimenting with new ideas for its capture, organization and delivery.

Practical implications

It is important for academic librarians to work towards the transformation of their relationship with faculty to emphasize an ability to assist them with integrating information technology and library resources into courses. This is based on collaboration and networking.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that change is happening in a new, increasingly competitive information environment in which the academic library is no longer necessarily the conventional resource of first choice for the academe it exists to serve.

Citation

Mavodza, J. (2011), "The academic librarian and the academe", New Library World, Vol. 112 No. 9/10, pp. 446-451. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801111182030