Paradigm Lost, Paradigm Regained? A Persistent Personnel Issue in Academic Librarianship, II

Abstract

Computerization has transformed the bulk of library work from moving physical objects, for example, producing, sorting, and filing catalog cards, to electronically manipulating a vast array of symbols. In so doing, it has transformed virtually all library employees into knowledge workers ; the once-simple bifurcate division of employees into librarians and support staff seems no longer tenable. What, then is the proper role for the academic librarian ? Cautioning against overenthusiastic endorsement of popular, industry-derived management methods, the author focuses on the intellectual character of academic librarianship and defines the concept of librarians' programmatic responsibilities. The author maintains that programmatic responsibilities are by definition undelegatable and constitute an exclusive locus of power within the profession. The role of academic librarian-the design and management of information systems for the academic community-is determined by these exclusive programmatic responsibilities and related powers. To meet new conditions, academic librarianship requires a new manifesto derived directly from the academic community itself in preference to ready formulas from business and industry.