The end of all niches: the future position of the academic librarian in a modern service industry

Abstract

A (University) Library is a modern service industry which has to follow the rules of effectiveness, efficiency and productivity. Even academic librarians have to be integrated into the production process of ‘the supply of information’ in such a way that they can deliver optimal results on the basis of their qualifications. In the process, the classic occupational image of the subject indexing lone fighter has dramatically changed into that of a productive performance bearer with great skills in management, social competence and performance. This paper gives an overview of the historical development of the classic academic librarian and the current requirements for a modern information manager. The strictly contrastive approach makes clear what a quantum leap there is between the image of a classic academic librarian, and the modern requirements for an efficient academic employee in the production process of supplying information.