1. Do “Traditional” Technical Services Librarians Still Exist in Academic Libraries? ALCTS Role of the Professional Librarian in Technical Services Interest Group-ALA Annual June 29, 2013 Karen Rogers-Collins ● Rhonda Fowler

2. This presentation will discuss the evolution of technical services job titles and responsibilities in academic libraries. Examine new job titles –Qualifications – MLS or not Evolution of responsibilities Case Study – Eastern Michigan University –Past vs. Present Next steps

3. Recent Job Postings Job title:Description:Qualifications: Digital Applications LibrarianDesign, deploy new technologies; facilitate discovery tools; evaluate emerging tech. MLS or terminal degree from computer sci/info sci program Discovery & Systems LibrarianImplement new ILS; deploys digital resource systems (discovery layer) MLS or equivalent; 1 yr. exp.; strong project management Electronic Resources Acquisitions Librarian Negotiation and technical support of licenses electronic resources; usage stats; supervise staff MLS; 4 yrs. experience ERM SpecialistLicensing; Acquisitions; Usage analysis; update link resolver & knowledgebase BA/3 yrs. experience Metadata LibrarianCreation maintain metadata all formats; RDA; apply new technologies and approaches; go beyond traditional cataloging MLS; 2 yrs. experience Emerging Technology & Systems Librarian Lead ILL automation; technology project; administer ERMs; stats MLS; ref & info literacy instruction exp. Division Dir. of Logistics, Resources, & Distribution Svcs Leadership over collection and content development and management MLS; minimum of five years as a manager and supervisor of full time staff in a library or library-related field (e.g., vendor)

4. Current qualifications and expectations Leadership Work collaboratively with library and campus faculty, staff, students, administration Evaluate, test and deploy emerging technologies, tools and resources Set goals. Thinks of the mission of the library as a whole Manage and supervise staff Extract meaningful data for decision making. Run statistical reports and interpret and develop metrics Manage budget Evaluate workflows Project management – success or failure Implement strategic plans Participate in task forces and contractual committees

5. EMU Case Study Technical Services (Yesterday) – Cataloging – Acquisitions – Serials Technical Services (Today) – Cataloging/Metadata – Acquisitions – Serials and Electronic Resources – Government Documents – Interlibrary Loan

6. Ongoing Research-Next Steps Are masters level library science programs preparing grads for professional responsibilities? Are students interested in Tech Services as a career? Survey question – Have the role of librarians in academic tech service units expanded, grown smaller, or remained the same? What qualifications are being required/desired?

7. Ongoing Research -Next Steps If work or skills we have acquired in library school are being shifted to library support, what is the value of the MLS?

8. Questions? Karen Rogers-Collins Electronic Resources and Serials Librarian krogersc@emich.edu 734-487-2586 Rhonda Fowler Government Documents and Public Services Librarian rfowler@emich.edu 734-487-2587