The Roles of Engagement at The Ohio State University Libraries: Thoughts from an Early Adopter

Abstract

Changes in information and technology continue to test how librarians interact with and support patrons. Now, engaged librarians have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their user’s workflows and become partners in the research enterprise. Engagement represents a model of librarianship in which librarians are challenged to move from the traditional collection-centered model to an engaged-focused one. It requires new roles and tasks, as well as a deeper understanding of the academic setting. This article discusses working in a large research institution and articulates the engagement model.

KEYWORDS:

• academic libraries
• engaged librarians
• faculty-librarian collaboration
• faculty partnerships
• leadership competencies
• communication