Role of librarian in 21st century.

1)    Information broker for both print and electronic media.

Ø  Identifies, retrieves, organize, repackages and provide electronic access to digital information sources

2)    Changes agent in Technology application leader

Ø  Collaborates with IT services to design and evaluate systems that would facilitate e-access

3)    Facilitator

Ø  Make access easier, example : provide network access, purchase software and e-journal licences

4)    Educators ;

Ø  Trains client on Internet use : tools, search engines, online databases and catalogs, electronic journals; use of web based instruction and online tutorial.

5)    Innovator / Web Designer / Builder / managers

Ø  Designs the libraries web pages and searches and evaluate information resources to be linked to the site ; create an awareness of library services on the web , in some instances manages the organizational web site.

6)    Database manager

Ø  Print bibliographies are no longer in use as searching via online database is faster and more efficient.

7)    Collaborator

Ø  Expanded area of collaboration, not just with fellow librarians but with IT people, the community, etc.

8)    Policy maker

Ø  Develops or participates in the development of an information policy for an organization, ensuring total or selective access to all information resources

9)    Business manager

Ø  Negotiates with publisher and aggregertors for the most advantageous license aggrements for e-journal and databases

10) Image Maker

Ø  Adds values to the library to gain management support and project a positive image to the outside world

11) Professional Competencies

Ø  Librarians knowledge in the areas of information resources, information access, technology management, and research plus the ability to apply them in providing library and information services

Sources :

Ramos, Milla M. (2008). The role of librarian in 21^st century. http://www.slideshare.net/plaistrlc/the-role-of-librarians-in-the-21st-century