Abstract

This book examines the changing roles of the librarian and how working within a rich digital environment has impacted on the ability of professionals to develop the appropriate 'know how', skills, knowledge and behaviours required in order to operate effectively. Expert specialists and opinion-makers from around the world discuss the challenges and successes of adapting existing practices, introducing new services and working with new partners in an environment that no longer recognizes traditional boundaries and demarcation of roles. The book is structured thematically, with a focus on three key strands where the impact of digital technologies is significant. The first strand, Rethinking Marketing and Communication, looks at strategic approaches and practices which harness social media and illustrate the importance of communication and marketing activities in these new online spaces. The second strand, Rethinking Support for Academic Practice, examines the professional expertise required of librarians who engage with and support new academic and learner practices in digitally rich teaching, learning and research environments. The third strand, Rethinking Resource Delivery, investigates the use of strategies to maximize access to online resources and services: harnessing system data to enhance collection management and user choice, designing and managing mobile 'friendly' learning spaces and providing virtual resources and services to an overseas campus. This timely and inspiring edited collection should make vital reading for librarians, library schools, departments of information science and other professional groups such as education developers, learning technologists and IT specialists.