Developing Competencies for Outreach Work in Academic Libraries

Abstract

This research study investigates the behaviors, knowledge, and skills necessary for academic library outreach work. Through a review of published literature, job advertisements, and a survey of library practitioners conducted in the fall of 2020, the authors define and prioritize 18 competencies for outreach. Hiring managers, LIS instructors, and practitioners can use the results of this study to structure and lay out the essential areas of outreach work in academic libraries.

LibGuides as Outreach

“…We know that there is little consistency in the duties and expectations surrounding outreach between libraries, as noted by Metzger and Jackson (2022), but it is also true that no one approach will suit every patron base or staff capacity. There are, however, some general observations based on our experiences which could be adapted strategically to suit many situations.…”

“…Courtney (2009) describes library outreach, in its broadest sense, as "reaching out to those outside the library" (p. 1)-however, beyond this general description, definitions are variable from one institution to another. As noted by Metzger and Jackson (2022), job descriptions for outreach librarians are inconsistent between various libraries, and the competencies expected of this position are largely undefined in existing literature (p. 646). Some literature has been written on creating "communities of practice" among outreach librarians on a state-wide level (Johnson & Vasudev, 2020), but a major professional library organization has yet to publish a competencies statement for outreach librarians in academic libraries (or, indeed, in any type of libraries).…”