The traditional image of the librarian is transforming. To remain at the forefront of innovation and support, librarians must embrace diversity, foster continuous development, and stay attuned to sector-wide trends.
In the ever-evolving landscape of academic libraries, the concept of a “librarian” is undergoing significant transformation. At the heart of this change is the need for a resilient, diverse, highly skilled, and values-driven workforce, which is essential for the future of library services.
The traditional image of the librarian does not sit comfortably with the demands of today’s dynamic academic environments. As Dr. Chris Bourg (2019) and others have emphasized, we must broaden our understanding of what it means to be a librarian.
The digital age has transformed how information is accessed and shared, requiring librarians to become experts in digital literacy, data management, and emerging technologies like AI and big data. In academic libraries, librarians actively support research, teaching, and learning, manage digital resources, guide scholarly communication, and promote open access. Beyond managing collections, they play a critical role in developing information literacy skills and collaborating with faculty and researchers to enhance the impact of academic work.
Additionally, librarianship has grown to encompass advocacy, inclusivity, and community building. Librarians now promote equitable access to information, support diverse and marginalized voices, and create welcoming, accessible environments. They serve as connectors of people and ideas, fostering collaboration across institutions and disciplines to drive innovation and learning. Their involvement in policy development, privacy, and ethical information use underscores their importance as thought leaders and advocates for intellectual freedom in an increasingly complex information ecosystem.
At Flinders University, we distinguish between "Capital L Librarians," who are professionally trained in library and information science (LIS), and "small L librarians," who may not hold formal LIS qualifications but are deeply committed to the library's mission and values.
This broader definition recognizes the diverse skill sets and experiences that individuals bring to the library workforce. Whether they come from IT, customer service, communications, or some other field, these professionals contribute significantly to the library’s success. This inclusive approach aligns with the findings of a recent report by Technology from Sage (2023), which underscores the importance of acknowledging and embracing this diversity within the sector.
Over the past five years, one focus at Flinders University Library has been to future-proof our workforce by fostering diversity in education and experience. This effort is paying off. Ten percent of our staff come from non-library backgrounds—a stark contrast to the pre-COVID era when this figure was zero (Flinders University, 2023). The shift reflects a broader trend within the sector, where libraries increasingly value a wide range of professional experiences.
Achieving age diversity within our workforce is another critical aspect of our strategy. Currently, we have four generations working side by side, from Gen Z to the Baby Boomers Generation. A recent study (Brough et al., 2023) from Griffith University suggests that within the next decade, five generations will be collaborating within the same workplace. This projection is supported by data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), which indicates significant changes in the generational makeup of the workforce by 2032 (see Figure 1).
According to the data, the percentage distribution of workers age 55 and older is expected to increase from 23.3% in 2022 to 24.1% in 2032, highlighting a trend of people working longer and remaining in the workforce at older ages. Meanwhile, the presence of Generation Alpha—those born from 2011 to 2025—is projected to rise significantly, from 0% in 2022 to 11.4% in 2032. This shift will create a workforce where employees could be working alongside both their grandparents and grandchildren, underscoring the importance of multigenerational collaboration and understanding.
At Flinders, we believe that continuous professional development (PD) is vital for sustaining a resilient workforce. We have streamlined and simplified our processes to encourage and track the uptake of training opportunities across all teams and levels. Over the past two years, our staff have invested over 3,000 hours in PD, averaging 25 hours per staff member per year—close to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recommended minimum of 30 hours.
Our approach to PD is strategic, with opportunities spread throughout the academic year to complement both busy and quieter periods. This strategy ensures equitable access to development opportunities, regardless of an employee’s role or level. Additionally, our internal initiative, Professor Quacktacular Presents, has successfully promoted knowledge sharing and in-house development, with an impressive 50% staff uptake for all sessions in 2023. This series provides accessible professional development opportunities to all library staff, including library teams and HEO levels, external academic and professional staff, and student library officers.
Taking a broader look at the library sector, a recent analysis of postings on the ALIA job board reveals some intriguing trends. Nearly half of the advertised positions required no formal qualifications and less than a quarter specifically required library and information science qualifications. This shift underscores the changing skillset and experience requirements across libraries, where practical experience and specialized skills are increasingly valued over traditional academic qualifications.
These trends are further reflected in the diverse skillsets sought by libraries, as evidenced by the keyword analysis from the job postings. Terms like “leadership,” “research support,” “AI,” “UX,” and “student success” frequently appear, indicating the growing importance of these areas in modern librarianship.
The ongoing transformation of the library workforce is further illuminated by the SAGE report, which reveals how libraries are adapting to changing workforce needs. The report highlights the increasing demand for professionals with diverse skill sets and the necessity of continuous upskilling to keep pace with technological advancements.
One of the key takeaways from the report is the recognition that libraries must broaden their recruitment strategies to include candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. This aligns with our approach at Flinders University, where the emphasis on diversity in professional experience has proven invaluable. The SAGE report also highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments that support the professional growth of all staff members, regardless of their formal qualifications.
Moreover, the report underscores the growing need for expertise in areas such as digital literacy, data management, and user experience design—skills that are becoming increasingly critical in modern librarianship. By aligning our workforce development strategies with these emerging needs, we can ensure that our staff are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing library landscape.
While we have made significant strides in investing strategically at the enterprise level, our journey towards future-proofing our workforce is ongoing. At Flinders, we aspire to empower our staff with the tools and pathways for personal and professional development, enabling them to invest in their own growth on their own terms. Talent management platforms can play a crucial role in complementing our efforts, ensuring that our workforce remains agile and ready to meet the challenges of the future.
The evolution of the librarian's role is not just a reflection of changing times but a proactive response to the needs of a dynamic academic environment. By embracing diversity, fostering continuous development, and staying attuned to sector-wide trends, we can ensure that libraries and librarians remain at the forefront of educational innovation and support.
Bourg, C. (2019, February 8). The once and future librarian.. In The Future of Academic Research Libraries [Faculty symposium]. McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgDxRoB6AQg
Brough, P., Troth, A., Radford, R., Meissner, E., Gai, S., Langerud, D., & Rose, M. (2023, June). Multigenerational workplaces research: Final report. Griffith University. https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/15815/multi-generational-workplaces-research-final-report/35289/multi-generational-workplaces-research-final-report/pdf
Flinders University Library. (2023, November 6). Welcome to Flinders University Library.. https://library.flinders.edu.au/about
Technology from Sage. (2023, November 6). New Technology from Sage Report Sheds Light on Librarian Perspectives on Current Librarian Skills Landscape [Press release. https://group.sagepub.com/press-releases/new-technology-from-sage-report-sheds-light-on-librarian-perspectives-on-current-librarian-skills-landscape
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Employment projections: Civilian labor force, by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/civilian-labor-force-summary.htm
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