Academic Library Job Descriptions

Baril (director, Heterick Memorial Lib., Ohio Northern Univ.) and Donley (cataloging and knowledge architect librarian, Heterick Memorial Lib., Ohio Northern Univ.) have compiled an overview of trends in job description at small to mid-size academic libraries. Noting that much of the existing literature focuses on large research universities, the authors aim to provide guidance for smaller institutions that primarily serve undergraduate populations. They open with an extensive literature review of academic library job description trends and discuss the progression toward soft skills and blended positions. Next, Baril and Donley report on the results of a survey sent to directors of small and mid-size libraries, and compare its findings to those of their literature review to surface commonalities and differences. They observe that directors want flexible candidates who have strong communication skills. The authors do acknowledge the limitations of the survey and recommend aspects for further study. Appendixes list the survey questions and results, as well as several sample job descriptions.