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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Subject knowledge and library support: insights from an experience in the United States
Author:Kuhn, RosemaryISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:Innovation: Journal of Appropriate Librarianship and Information Work in Southern Africa
Issue:39
Pages:1-18
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:university libraries
librarianship
Abstract:The Research Libraries Consortium project involving three South African university libraries - Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and the Witwatersrand - was established in 2006 with the aim of improving academic library support. Part of this project focused on subject librarians through the Library Academy and an internship in research libraries in the United States. From their participation in the internship programme, the South African librarians realized the need to interrogate the functions, roles, knowledge and skills of subject librarians, subject specialists and subject experts in the South African context. Between South African and US subject librarians there exists a common core of skills, knowledge and activties, but also differences. South African subject libarians have generally developed expertise rather than subject specialization. A range of short-term alternatives are needed to equip mid-career academic librarians in South Africa to support the research enterprise more effectively. Specific education and training needs for South African subject librarians need to be identified. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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