Envisioning the future role of librarians: skills, services and information resources

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the future of academic libraries in the era of new user needs, new skills for staff and services offered. The literature shows the evolution of new technologies and the implications they have on the staff, library services and new user needs. The discussions in this paper are surrounded by conceptualization of what the library products and services will be in future academic libraries. It also looks at future studies that explore opportunities for librarians to advance their professional role.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a literature-based conceptual paper that draws on a wide range of literature that hypothetically looks at the future roles of professional librarians, the collection, services and the evolution of technology on the new user needs.

Findings

The library today will give the basis for the future librarian’s role, the emerging user needs and impact of service delivery. Technological advances have also affected the establishment of library systems and services offered. The emerging future roles will generally depend on how advanced the libraries are in the region or country including Kenya.

Originality/value

This paper adds a flexible approach to the skills, services as a role of future librarians.

Citation

Mwaniki, P.W. (2018), "Envisioning the future role of librarians: skills, services and information resources", Library Management, Vol. 39 No. 1/2, pp. 2-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-01-2017-0001