By Crystal S. Megaridis
with Cara Marcus, Brandy King, Michelle Drabik, and Dawn Lynn
After completing this chapter, readers should have a better understanding of:
the variety of information centers that constitute this sector of information work;
the unique aspects of the special library and information center environment; and
the many opportunities and roles that exist for special librarians and information professionals today.
Downloadable PowerPoint presentation and PowerPoint notes for course instruction. These files are only accessible to instructors who have adopted Information Services Today: An Introduction (3rd ed) for their course. To request access, please click on the images below or email Sandy Hirsh.
The following questions are included in the textbook.
How can the special librarian or information professional develop clientele relationships in an all-online environment?
Without librarian peers within the organization, what resources are available for a solo special librarian or information professional to help solve problems and develop professionally?
Additional questions proposed by the author but not included in the textbook.
Which skills does the special librarian or information professional need in order to successfully serve five generations of workers?
What skills or competencies do you feel are most essential for success as a special librarian?
What are some examples of management skills an independent information professional needs to develop?
Without librarian peers within the organization, what resources are available for a solo special librarian or information professional to help solve problems and develop professionally?
Does the description of the very collaborative and fluid day as a knowledge officer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory excite you? Why or why not?
The following documents are formatted to share with students as handouts:
Figure 11.1.pdfAppendix 11.1 Online Resources and Tools.pdf
The following chapters are referenced in Chapter 11 and may assist in expanding your classroom instruction and discussions.
Chapter 2: Libraries, Communities, and Information: Two Centuries of Experience
Chapter 4: Information Communities
Chapter 5: Information Needs
Chapter 9: Learning and Research Institutions: Academic Libraries
Chapter 12: Virtual Resources and Services
Chapter 25: Managing Human Resources
Chapter 28: Managing Technology
Chapter 29: Data Management, Analysis and Visualization
Chapter 30: Communication, Marketing, and Outreach Services
Chapter 34: Copyright and Creative Commons
Chapter 35: Information Licensing