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Web librarians handle online initiatives, including creating and maintaining the library’s website and supporting online databases. They can also serve as technical trainers, liaisons between departments, and outreach coordinators. They need to understand web design and programming and may work for universities, corporations, or public libraries.
A web librarian often handles aspects of the library’s operation related to online initiatives or projects. This includes creating, maintaining, and supporting the library’s main website, as well as other projects related to online databases, outreach, or any other aspect of the operation. In complex research libraries, web librarians are sought after as technical professionals who can help ensure that a library’s online services function smoothly.
Many web librarians work for the large technical libraries of universities or corporations. In these settings, the web librarian will likely be responsible for monitoring web projects for exact desired operation and providing general support for web initiatives. The web librarian can fill many roles, such as a graphic designer and content provider, as well as someone who works with technical maintenance or manages the technical needs of online library projects.
One possible role for a web librarian is as a technical trainer. This individual can help teach others how to use online library resources or participate in all-important on-site training for staff or volunteers when new projects or products result in a learning curve for departments. These individuals can create tools to help the public access a library’s online resources. On a regular basis, web librarians may be responsible for bringing updates to general library system departments to ensure that staff understand current protocols for using library technologies.
Another possible role for a web librarian is as a liaison between various departments or offices. This includes working with technical departments and end users in other departments. These professionals may work directly with library directors or other executives. They may also meet with various school or corporate groups or committees to plan initiatives and projects that meet the needs of the employer. The web librarian can even play a useful role in outreach to secure funding; for example, as an employee of a public library, the web librarian can participate in meetings about strategies for securing municipal funding for the library’s ongoing and future operations.
As technical employees, web librarians will need to understand some aspects of web design and computer programming. They may not need to know all about the complexities of creating online projects, especially when libraries use third-party online databases to facilitate public research, but they should be able to troubleshoot some types of online projects and discuss issues with IT staff. Specific computer programming skills and advanced degrees help these professionals build careers in online management within a library department.
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