“Must be comfortable with ambiguity”: How Outreach Librarians are navigating their new roles to better engage with scholars in the 21st century
#ambiguousoutreach
When applying for one of our Outreach Librarian positions, “must be comfortable with ambiguity” has become a standard requirement. New and existing librarians are discovering the importance of that mindset as we connect foundational skills and values of librarianship to emerging technologies, creative approaches to outreach, and the cultivation of a fearless mentality when taking on new roles. This presentation highlights five stories of Outreach Librarians - each with their own background and perspective on adopting this aspirational role - shares an organizational culture that encourages success, and guides participants in connecting their needs to organizational goals.
Panel Session Learning Outcomes
Objective 1: Participants will reflect on professional activities that evoke fear or nervousness in order to reshape these feelings toward opportunities for professional and personal growth
Objective 2: Participants will explore two new methods for dissolving existing barriers or encouraging new support structures in order to identify ways to adapt, manage, and thrive in an environment that favors proactive outreach
Objective 3: Through outreach librarians’ stories, participants will map proactive impact-generating strategies in order to address main concerns they face, thereby increasing impact on their campus
Audience
People brand new to the topic.
People with experience in the topic, but who are transitioning to greater responsibilities in this area.
