Who am I?

By Jillian Viljoen

The library provides various services to the University Community. These services are provided by various individuals within the library, each with specific specialisations and skills.

 How well do you know the library staff? If I was to describe one of the staff members, would you know who that is by the description?

 Let’s give it a go …

 This individual:

• develops and manages collections of books, journals (both print and electronic) and various electronic resources, for example, LibGuides.
• selects and acquires relevant textbooks for academic use.
• creates, updates, and manages electronic and printed information resources.
• coordinates and delivers user education training sessions to students, researchers and staff on effective information searching and use of the electronic resources.
• contributes to academic course development by adding relevant books on Academic Reserves and liaises with academics and the various Schools.
• assists researchers with literature searches using databases, printed resources and the internet.
• establishes and maintains effective working relationships with academic staff and students, as well as other stakeholders.
• takes on responsibility, in some cases, for archives and other special collections.
• deals with user enquiries, which may involve one-on-one advice sessions.
• manages budgets concerning allocated subject areas/departments.
• keeps up to date with developments in the library sector and participate in professional groups or networks.

 

Do any of these descriptions seem familiar? Have you ever interacted with an individual who provided this service to you? Did you manage to guess who this is?

 This brief description describes the subject librarian; the person who journeys with you through your academic and research life. The subject librarian is a valuable resource for your academic and research needs. Contact a subject librarian today and find out how they can help you.

 Did you manage to figure out who this individual is by the description? If so, you must be aware of the value of a subject librarian. Thank you for making contact. We hope to hear from you again.