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How did librariansâ roles change with electronic databases and the Internet?
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Reading Room of the British Museum, designed by Sidney Smirke in collaboration with Anthony Panizzi and built in the 1850s. Illustration by Smirke, from the Illustrated London News, 1857.
The rise of electronic databases and the Internet has fundamentally transformed the role of the librarian from a traditional custodian of physical collections to a multifaceted information specialist.12
Key shifts in the profession include:
- Educator and Guide: As information becomes increasingly decentralized, librarians have assumed the role of educators, teaching users how to navigate complex electronic networks and locate reliable information that lacks standardized identification.12
- Technical Expertise: Many librarians have become experts in computer software and database management. In some institutions, they have taken on responsibilities for both library collections and broader computer services.12
- Proactive Information Delivery: Librarians now utilize Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) services to anticipate user needs, forwarding relevant materials before they are requested.1
- Expanded Professional Scope: The work of librarians has moved beyond library walls. They now serve as information analysts, researchers, and designers of information systems within the private sector, law firms, and the broader information industry.1
- Preservationists: Librarians are increasingly focused on the technical challenges of preserving digital records and ensuring that aging computer files remain accessible for future generations.1