Soft Skills in the Technical Services Workplace

Abstract

The stereotype of the “behind the scenes” technical services librarian lends credence to the idea that librarians working in cataloging, acquisitions, collection development, etc. work alone and independently, never to face the patron or engage with their colleagues. Though that exaggerated typecast may still live on in the minds of some, the more contemporary and holistic approach to library organization, where librarians in all sub-fields benefit from a cross-sectional skillset, has necessitated that all librarians master the soft skills needed to work well with the patron and with others. This study examines both the frequency with which librarians in technical services interact with others in the course of their job duties as well as the nature and importance of soft skills in the library technical services workplace