Leading roles for reference librarians in institutional repositories

Abstract

Purpose Aims to describe one academic health science center library's experience with expanding reference librarian leadership roles in implementing institutional repository initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The institutional repository project development phases are briefly documented. The rationale for selecting reference librarians to lead the initiative and resultant role changes is discussed. Findings Reference librarians are strategically placed to promote and administer institutional repository initiatives successfully. The professional challenge rests in reference librarians' readiness to become scholarly publishing change agents. Practical implications This case study documents a successful approach to incorporating institutional repository projects into existing library roles in addition to providing new leadership opportunities for reference librarians. Originality/value Reference librarian roles in institutional repository projects and the evolution of organizational roles are not addressed in the heavily technology‐ and marketing‐based institutional repository literature.