The Changing Role of Library and Information Professionals in the New Normal

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the operations of libraries in providing services and products to patrons. In this pandemic period, the role of library and information professionals was changed from conserving and preserving books to facilitators of knowledge in the digital environment. A study was done to examine the changing roles of librarians in the new normal. A structured literature review was done, and personal experiences were also used in the study. It was noted that libraries have shifted to online services where emphasis is put on the acquisition of electronic resources and the utilisation of open education resources to support teaching and learning. It is recommended that librarians should continuously develop themselves to meet the needs of these changing roles and to remain relevant in the new normal.

Exploring the Uncharted: Lived Experiences of Research Commons Librarians

“…The evolving landscape of librarian roles has been a subject of significant discourse sparked by the study of the Council on Library and Information Resources (2008). Manju and Partap (2022) advocate for librarians to embrace new research areas, emphasising the need for adaptability. The work of research libraries in the UK (Revez 2018) shed light on librarians' adaptation to emerging challenges, underlining the dynamic nature of their profession.…”

“…However, dissenting views exist, with Donaldson et al (2022) expressing concerns about role transition. Manju and Partap (2022) and Asher (2017) accentuate librarians' multifaceted academic involvement, showcasing their evolving roles. Kanchan (2013) highlights librarians' proficiency in research data management, while Granger (2020) stresses the necessity of diverse skill sets.…”

“…The transformed RC caters to diverse needs, providing spaces for individual study and advanced zones for remote learning. Integration of technology, such as online catalogues and digital resources, improves asynchronous information access, prompting librarians to adapt their roles to include digital information literacy programmes, user-designed workshops and research consultations (Asher 2017;Manju and Partap 2022). Despite these changes, libraries remain essential components of higher learning institutions, promoting lifelong learning and equal access to information.…”