The subject librarian as a cultural ambassador: an Australian librarian in London

Abstract

In Information Studies literature there is debate about the future of the ‘subject librarian’ as the increasing sophistication of electronic search devices leaves readers progressively more capable of seeking and interpreting information independently. As a case study, however, this essay will look at one such library professional, the curator for the Australian collection at the British Library, and question the impact of the absence of that role on public interaction with the Library’s Australian material. It will be shown that the role of the subject librarian will necessarily be reinterpreted in future, but that subject specialists still play an important role as ‘ambassadors’ for the collections they represent.