Aren’t we All Student Success Librarians? Defining Your Public Services Role for Your Community (and Your Sanity)

Abstract

Public services librarians play a pivotal role in the effective functioning of libraries, serving as intermediaries between the library and its community. The scope of their responsibilities is expansive, though often not well defined in their job title or understood by the communities they serve. In this column, the author delves into the intricate tapestry of a public services librarian’s duties and explores different strategies for defining and effectively communicating the specific responsibilities associated with the role and the inherent value they bring to the community. By conducting an in-depth examination of best practices in the field, the author draws on established models that have proven successful in enhancing the visibility and impact of public services librarians while calling upon their own experience in defining their title and role as a Student Success Librarian.