How education shapes research librarians' professional identity 

The challenges of an evolving scholarly ecosystem  

Many countries lack formal education programs for research librarianship. Those that do may not have programs that adequately prepare research librarians for changes to the information landscape or provide opportunities for knowledge exchange between Research Librarians. With inadequate representation and resources, theories, methods, and professional norms are not fully developed. This threatens the formation of a cohesive professional identity within the field.  

The challenges related to this lack of formal education have become more pronounced in recent years as advances in technology, changes in research practices, and shifts in publishing models are reshaping the landscape of academic work. As a result, the need for specialized research librarian skills is growing.  

In the past, much of the work done by research librarians was centered on managing and curating physical collections. However, the demands on research librarians have evolved, and new skills that are only tangentially related to traditional library collections are now in high demand. Research librarians must keep pace with these changes and develop new competencies to effectively support researchers and students. 

The role of formal education 

Members of a profession gain a common foundation of theories and methods, which enables professional growth through formal education. Without such shared knowledge, a profession may become fragmented and find it difficult to address societal needs and challenges effectively.   

Furthermore, formal education provides the ethical framework necessary for ensuring the integrity of the profession and it serves as springboard for ongoing professional development, equipping practitioners with the tools and mindset to adapt to evolving circumstances and emerging trends. Without structured educational programs, professionals might find it difficult to pursue continuing development, limiting their ability to remain current in their field.  

Last, but certainly not least, formal education is crucial in advocating for the recognition and legitimization of a profession. Accredited educational programs elevate the profession's status in the eyes of policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. The absence of formal education may contribute to a profession's marginalization, weakening efforts to advocate for its relevance and importance.  

The consequences of the lack of formal education  

In many countries, research librarians are recruited as subject specialists with backgrounds in disciplines like English literature, archaeology, or political science, depending on the communities they serve. When they join a library, they typically receive on-the-job training from more experienced colleagues who teach them the "library stuff." This informal and often conservative approach to training new hires raises important questions about where new knowledge and innovation in the field come from.  

In other disciplines, formal education ensures that new practitioners are taught by educators who are dedicated to staying current with the latest developments in their fields. For research librarians, this responsibility often falls to older colleagues who may not be keeping up with developments outside the library. As a result, the profession may struggle to adapt to the changing needs of the scholarly community. 

Emerging skills for research librarians    

1. Data management   The rise of open science and the growing importance of data sharing require research librarians to assist researchers in managing and curating digital research data. This task demands a strong foundation in digital literacy and a deep understanding of data management practices, ensuring that research data remains accessible, preserved, and in compliance with ethical and legal standards .

2. Expert information retrieval   Advanced search skills, along with the ability to distinguish between credible sources and dubious publications, are essential. The sheer volume of scholarly literature continues to expand, making it more challenging for researchers to identify relevant and high-quality information. Research librarians play a vital role in guiding researchers through this vast and complex information landscape.  

3. Research integrity guidance   Predatory publishers, paper mills, and other unethical practices add to the threat against integrity of academic research. Research librarians are increasingly relied upon to help researchers navigate these challenges by identifying appropriate publication channels and avoiding unreliable outlets. A thorough understanding of the scholarly publishing landscape is essential to guide researchers toward reputable and ethical choices. 

4. AI literacy   New developments in information retrieval, such as AI-powered tools like Scopus AI, provide opportunities for research librarians to enhance their search capabilities, allowing them to offer more efficient support to their patrons. But then again, to be able to do this Research Librarians need skills like AI literacy, and they need to understand both the strengths and weaknesses of these new powerful tools. 

5. Bibliometrics   The growing emphasis on research impact assessment has also increased the demand for research librarians who can interpret bibliometric indicators. Research librarians need to be skilled in data visualization techniques and capable of analyzing citation data, altmetrics, and other metrics that measure the scholarly impact of research outputs. These skills are essential for helping researchers maximize their visibility and influence within their respective fields.    Without formal education on these and other emerging topics, research librarians may be unable to keep pace with these evolving demands. 

Moving forward  

While formal education is a cornerstone of professional development, its absence in research librarianship presents unique challenges. Research librarians must work together to define and strengthen their professional identity. This includes advocating for the creation of formal educational programs that will equip future research librarians with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  

To raise awareness and offer support for professional growth, the Elsevier Foundation opens in new tab/window, Fiesole Retreat opens in new tab/window, and Information Training and Outreach Centre for Africa opens in new tab/window (ITOCA) have joined forces. Together, they organized a workshop in Cape Town, bringing a group of early-career research librarians eager to build their skills and strengthen their professional identity.  

The Elsevier Foundation generously provided financial support, while ITOCA managed all the administrative details involved in setting up the event. Fiesole Retreat warmly welcomed a vibrant group of young, enthusiastic research librarians, creating an ideal environment for learning and collaboration.  

In preparation for the workshop, ITOCA issued a call for participants, and the response was overwhelming—no fewer than 300 applications were received. From this impressive pool, 12 outstanding young librarians were selected to attend. These individuals make up the first cohort of what we hope will be a continuing series of similar events held alongside major librarian conferences in the future.  

The workshop format was developed and prepared by Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe, Professor/Coordinator for Research Professional Development in the University Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and myself. We were joined by Hilde van Wijngaarten, Library Director at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and a member of the LIBER Executive Board. Together, we held group discussions and activities designed to help them navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing research landscape.