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Reference, liaison, subject librarianship: all of these terms traditionally describe a combination of research assistance, instruction, and collection management. This study used structured interviews with 15 librarians at 14 geographically dispersed, medium to large academic institutions to investigate the current state of reference and liaison librarianship. Library administrators' views are important to understanding the future of this work since they advocate for resources if they see the necessity. Findings included agreement on the goals of the work and the urgent need to communicate its value in the current higher education landscape; however, the specific means of communication and the types of work that being a partner could include varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As data services gain momentum in academic libraries, liaison librarians are expected to be part of the education force for data literacy. Nonetheless, due to the broad scope of data literacy, training librarians to improve data-related skills can be challenging. This article used consultation statistics to identify tools and resources employed to solve users’ data questions. The results offered insights into users’ data needs and provided librarians with a clear direction to further develop data skills in their assigned disciplines. The methodology used in this study can be replicated at other institutions to identify needs and to direct professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solo tenure-track librarians in academia must discover the key to mastering the fine art of multitasking to execute concepts of seamless user experiences. This article covers notable practices and principles of Solo tenure-track librarians in academia, specifically at the City University of New York, including overseeing a library division, satisfying provisions of the academic triad (excellence in teaching, service, and creative scholarship), and liaising various academic disciplines. Solos appointed to oversee a library division coordinate every aspect of access service (stacks maintenance, facilities management, user experience, etc.) in addition to being director. Directing a specialized library unit accompanies public-facing expectations of access and being an effective advocate and dynamic partner with all stakeholders. The purpose is to highlight the importance and value of Solo librarianship in higher education and their impactful contributions to the student body, faculty, and administrators alike. Though not intended to be exhaustive, the review of library literature serves as a practical guide to others in similar circumstances. The author's reflections introduce a deeper understanding of supportive organizational structures and the interdependence of building a collaborative team to provide intentional user-focused library services, promote literacy, and efficient operation across all service points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of academic librarianship is changing as librarians move away from the curation of material and into research support roles. Although this creates new opportunities it can be difficult for staff to learn the skills needed. The Office of Scholarly Communication at Cambridge University seeks to address this issue with the Research Support Ambassadors Programme, an initiative which skills staff in areas such as Research Data Management and Open Access. This case study outlines the evolution of the program from its pilot through to its recently completed second run in 2016. The challenges associated with running a cross-library training program are discussed and solutions highlighted. Also discussed is the impact that the program has had on participants. This case study will be of interest to those aiming to pursue a career in this area of librarianship and those looking at preparing staff for the future of the academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two research questions guided this study: (1) Is there a gap in customer service quality perception between librarians (service providers) and patrons (service beneficiaries)?; and (2) How do patrons perceive the relational service qualities of librarians who staff the reference desk? Quantitative results based on a Likert scale survey showed no statistically significant difference in service perception between librarians and patrons. Both groups rate the overall reference desk service and service qualities of librarians highly. Qualitative results demonstrate how patrons view reference service within the context of their service and study needs. These findings were used to facilitate a librarian development workshop and led to the creation of a reference policy manual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hiring and retaining talent in academic libraries marks a significant investment of time and capital for colleges and universities. This is particularly true for tenure-track academic librarians. Successful attainment of tenure is in the interests of both librarians and administrators, and many institutions offer tenure support systems to assist librarians in this regard. A forty-four question survey assessed tenure-track librarians' perceptions and satisfaction of whether tenure requirements are adequately supported in their critical partnership with library administrators. While most respondents expressed somewhat moderate satisfaction with provided support measures, support type and quantity varied significantly. A recommendation for creating a comprehensive program of support is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Today's academic library provides resources that users can access both physically in the library and virtually from academic offices. This increasing availability of online access means that information resources are no longer confined within library walls and librarians need to rethink how their constituents' information needs are being met. Embedding librarians in academic departments and programs is one way to expand library services within this new information landscape. This article describes the background and process for embedding librarians and provides case studies from three librarians who successfully embedded themselves in academic departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author describes her experiences in compiling and editing a book of contributed chapters, titled The Successful Academic Librarian. The process includes writing the book proposal, finding contributors, editing their work, and working with the publisher. A timeline of the process is presented, and the challenges and rewards of the project are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review of the literature on mentoring academic librarians contains references to definitions of mentoring by several writers and discussions of the mentoring process and the role of participants. Benefits and pitfalls to partners and institutions of affiliation are set forth. An implication for the future may be that graduate school curricula need to address career guidance. Additional influences hinge on institutional commitments to new personnel and the interest of senior librarians in the success of junior colleagues. Publications cited are primarily from the current decade with occasional references back to the mid-1980s. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]