Electronic Resources and Mission Creep: Reorganizing the Library for the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

The position of electronic resources librarian was created to serve as a specialist in the negotiation of license agreements for electronic resources, but mission creep has added more functions to the routine work of electronic resources such as cataloging, gathering information for collection development, and technical support. As electronic collections continue to grow in size and complexity, libraries have resorted to automation, the redistribution of work to other library staff, and interdepartmental workflows to ensure that electronic resources remain accessible to their patrons. Prescribed solutions vary, but a growing number of librarians all over the world are beginning to recognize that libraries are not properly organized for the work that actually has to be done in the twenty-first century. These solutions fall short of what is required: an integrated electronic resources department.

Keywords:

• Electronic resources librarians
• information resources management
• information services
• information professionals
• librarians
• digital libraries
• technical services (libraries)
• workflow