Posts in Libraries
Making impact by connecting library support with your institution’s mission

For me, the answer to this question is very simple — focus our services and our support where it will have the greatest impact on our institution’s mission. To some extent this is self-evident, which is why I say the answer is simple. However, that doesn’t mean that all institutions will have the same answer.

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Resisting occupational burnout with a mature professional ethics

Being an academic librarian is intellectually and technically challenging work. It can be emotionally taxing as well and not just for those who work directly with patrons. While MLIS coursework prepares learners for those technical and intellectual challenges, less common are courses that foster skills needed to stand up to emotional challenges.  

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We should recognize that we’re always librarians

Our ability to build relationships allows us to continually improve the profession and the user experience. There is no one way to do this, but we must be open and willing to take an active role in this work. In fact, we need to see this as the work. If there is one thing I’ve learned thus far in my career, it is that I am never not a librarian to others.

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Research assignments and the purpose and value of college

Librarians have unique insights into the differing viewpoints of our patrons. By working with faculty and students around research assignments, librarians can not only advocate for the valuable work they do, but also help faculty and students overcome the disconnect they might feeling with research assignments but also differing views on the purpose and value of college itself

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