The Role of Library Assistants in the Year 2005

Over the past two decades, rapid changes have taken
place in the library world. Pressure has grown as
libraries have tried to adapt to the growth of
information technologies, combined with increasing
financial pressure on library budgets. This study
examines if and how change has impacted on the role
of UK Academic Library Assistants in the year 2005.

Literature searches have shown written evidence of
change in the way we receive information and the
effect this will have on Library and Information
Centres and Managers in the future, but little
research was discovered regarding the future of
Library Assistants.

Observations at the authors own workplace showed a
varying range of qualifications, length of service,
and skills of those holding this post and this
further raised questions about 'who is a Library
Assistant?'

Autorentext

Julie W. Greenstreet, BA (Hons), MSc in Information and Library Management: Studied at both Cheltenham and Bristol Universities and currently employed as a Library Assistant at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, England.

Klappentext

Over the past two decades, rapid changes have taken place in the library world. Pressure has grown as libraries have tried to adapt to the growth of information technologies, combined with increasing financial pressure on library budgets. This study examines if and how change has impacted on the role of UK Academic Library Assistants in the year 2005.Literature searches have shown written evidence of change in the way we receive information and the effect this will have on Library and Information Centres and Managers in the future, but little research was discovered regarding the future of Library Assistants. Observations at the authors own workplace showed a varying range of qualifications, length of service, and skills of those holding this post and this further raised questions about 'who is a Library Assistant?'