Academic Librarian: The generalist in information delivery

Abstract

This current dispensation is termed information age where information is esteemed above other factors in human and society development. In the library, especially Academic library, this new development has revolutionalised the nature of information resources: the way information is generated, processed and disseminated, making it compulsory that academic librarians must acquire new skills or diverse ways for information delivery. This paper on Academic Librarian: the generalist in information delivery aims to x-ray the myriad responsibilities academic librarian handles as it concerns service delivery in this information age. The paper discussed Flash Back to the Beginning of Libraries and Librarianship in Information Delivery; Librarians and their many hats as Generalist in Information delivery. The hats also include Academic Librarian in Information Literacy Delivery; Academic reference librarian in information delivery. To effectively operate through these hats, the Academic Librarian should possesses the following skills: Optimism and Enthusiasm; Format or location.; Reference and creativity; courage; ability to communicate; Ability to Market Library Resources and Services; ability to be a team player; Confidence and sense of Humor and technological competence. The paper further discussed: Multi- Hats Challenge: One head Many Hats and how to handle the multi-hats challenges In conclusion the paper suggested that librarians in the information age must possess necessary information literacy skills, be proactive in information handling and skillful in research to enable them move beyond ordinary gate keepers of information to mediators and instructors in information use in library and information centres.