Compare the environments and organizational settings in which library and information professionals practice.
The varieties of libraries in which information professionals participate are numerous. Beyond the standard divisions of libraries into sectors such as public, academic, corporate, school, etc. there is a great deal of variation among libraries even within these classes. The concerns of a rural librarian are likely to be much different than those of an urban librarian. Even within these subsectors there is great room for difference whether it is the result of demographics, funding, and even the types of companies or businesses that may be present in the community.
The ALA recognizes four types of libraries; academic, public, school and special libraries, the last of which is divided into specialties such as law, medical and art libraries. While each sector of the profession has its particular concerns, all library professions are united by the task of classifying, storing and dispensing information to library users, whoever they may be. Another commonality amongst differing fields of library science is rapid and transformative change as new technology rapidly proliferates. This may have the effect of creating even greater divergence within the profession, as well as, the potential to expand access to and the links between librarians and information professionals working in varying fields.
My personal experience has been limited to working in public libraries, though in highly varied environments, ranging from rural libraries in Northern California to urban libraries in North Carolina to wealthy suburban libraries in Southern California. I have worked in libraries where I was the only staff member present and in locations where as many as 80 people might be present at once. While these experiences might be considered diverse within the field of public librarianship, they are merely the tip of the iceberg within the profession. Luckily my coursework within the School of Library Science has provided me with the necessary background to make my public library skills transferable to other fields of library science. Through a variety of classes in the Library Science I was able to see the techniques and skills necessary to serve other constituencies than that I was accustomed to.
Evidence
In LIBR 200, Information & Society, we were asked to look at the position of librarian in two fictional works and analyze the ways in which the profession is represented and stereotyped. This assignment allowed me to understand and be critical about the perceived conventions of the librarian, while fostering an awareness of the diversity of roles and people who fill those roles where librarians are concerned. This included analyzing the differences in presentation between a special library and a public facility.
In LIBR 244, Online Searching, I was able to perform tasks and utilize databases normally beyond the work duties of the Public Librarian. These online searching exercises utilizing Dialog, Medline, PubMed and other services had the effect of introducing some of the skills necessary in Medical or Corporate librarianship. Not only did this and similar exercises improve my searching skills, they expanded my awareness of other avenues within the profession.
LIBR 263, Materials for Children 5-8, offered insight into children’s needs in the realm of early literacy and many of the overarching concerns of Children’s librarians in both public and school libraries. My critique of a survey study undertaken in regards to socio-cultural factors which influence reading engagement shows an understanding of many of the goals of youth librarians in promoting and encouraging reading in the preschool and primary years.
- LIBR 200 Librarians in Fictional Works
- LIBR 244 Exercise
- LIBR 263 Scholarly Critique
- LIBR 210 Reference Services Evaluation
References
American Library Association (2012). Types of Libraries. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/librarycareerssite/typesoflibraries
