From Core Competencies to Desired Traits

Abstract

Reference librarianship in academic libraries has entered into a new century, and the profession will need competent reference managers more than ever. Gone are the days when a reference librarian was promoted to head the reference department based on an interest in supervising others, longevity and experience. The number of applicants in search pools for head of reference positions continues to decline. As the demand for electronic products and other venues of convenience for information delivery continues to increase, the nature of reference practice will change to meet the needs of the user. Unless one prepares for it, that change will be involuntary. This paper examines some of the qualifications, or desired traits, librarians should have who are interested in head of reference positions.

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