I’m starting some research into web services librarianship (or related job titles). Here is my research question, gap in the current research and outcome.
Research Question:
What are the perceived duties, needed qualifications, etc. of a web services librarian? How does the position announcement compare with actual job functions?
Research Gap and Outcome:
Since web services is a new field for libraries, it has very little history and an ill defined skill set. By examining the current generation of people in these positions, insight will be gained into what these individuals thought they would be doing in their job and what they are actually doing. This insight will provide a framework for new hires, and in doing so, improve library web services.
I’m starting this research off with a content analysis of web services librarian job listings. I’m looking to collect around 50 job postings.
The collection criteria:
1. Positions must list Web Services Librarian or a related job title. Related titles will be determined by reading the entire ad and determining context.
2. Positions must have a start date in 2005 or early 2006 (Jan. – May)
I thought I would ask library blog land for a little help. If you see a job listing that fits there criteria, leave a comment and tell me about it. Better yet if you are a web services type librarian who started your job sometime in 2005 or will start soon, give me a shout.
Here’s one from my former place of employment. This is a brand new position for the library.
Washington University in St. Louis
Reference/Web Services Librarian
hr.wustl.edu
Requirements: MLS FROM ALA ACCREDITED LIBRARY SCHOOL. EXPERIENCE IN PROVISION OF REFERENCE SERVICES. DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO DESIGN & MAINTAIN DYNAMIC WEB SITES THE ENHANCE REFERENCE SERVICES. FAMILIARITY WITH ELECTRONIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. ABILITY TO FLOURISH IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT. ABILITY TO WORK AND INTERACT HARMONIOUSLY WITH A DIVERSE STUDENT BODY, FACULTY & LIBRARY STAFF. DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT.
Job Description: PROVIDE REFERENCE ASSISTANCE. MANAGE THE CONTENT & DESIGN OF VARIOUS REF. UNIT WEBSITES, TAKE THE LEAD IN THE COORDINATION OF WEB-BASED REFERENCE SERVICES, & ASSIST COLLEAGUES WITH WEB-DESIGN TASKS. PARTICIPATE IN USER EDUCATION ACTIVITIES. HELP PLAN & IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS.PARTICIPATE IN LIBRARY COMMITTEES, REFERENCE TEAMS, SPECIAL PROJECTS, & OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.
I ran accross two potential ones on MLA’s site.
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Virtual Services Librarian
The Robert B. Greenblatt, MD, Library invites applications for virtual services librarian, a faculty position responsible for the dynamic development, operation, and deliverables of the Greenblatt Library’s virtual services. The position provides technical expertise regarding library information systems and digital library planning, supports virtual library development, works closely with other library faculty and staff, and reports to the chair, Content Management. The successful candidate must have knowledge of several Internet development languages and programs such as HTML, SHTML, XML, and DHTML, as well as desktop publishing. For a full description of qualifications and responsibilities, see http://www.mcg.edu/library/VirtServLibr.html.
Salary: $40,000, minimum.
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Information Services Librarian
The Weill Cornell Medical Library seeks qualified applicants for the position of information services librarian. The information services program area is responsible for the delivery of reference and educational services including the mediated search service and information service delivery via the Web. The complete position description can be downloaded from library.med.cornell.edu/library/PDF/informationlibrarian.pdf.
The successful candidate must be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a complex and rapidly changing environment. All library faculty are expected to serve on committees, participate in library planning, and be active professionally. This is a nontenured faculty position, reporting to the acting head of information services.
Required: Excellent analytical and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated experience in teaching, production of educational materials, provision of information services via the Web including HTML coding, and ALA-accredited MLS. Two years or more of health sciences library or other relevant experience. Experience in searching databases and office application software skills.
Salary: Appointment will be at the rank of assistant or associate librarian with a salary of $45,000 or higher based on qualifications and experience