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So you want to be a Subject Librarian? [TG1/ASPECTS1_SUBJECT]

When

16/09/2021    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Event Type

Twitter: @cpd25_M25 #cpd25

Due to the popularity of this event when we held it in May, we are repeating it. Therefore, please note that this is a direct repeat of the ‘So you want to be a Subject Librarian?’ online event which took place on the 26th May 2021.

This workshop is part of the cpd25 Aspects programme, aimed at library staff looking to acquire additional skills and knowledge or staff working towards Chartership.

The position of Subject Librarian – or Liaison Librarian, or Information Specialist, or any number of other variations – remains a key one in most academic libraries and is one that many new professionals aspire towards.

However, it can be difficult for staff in Library Assistant or similar roles to make the move up into this area of library work as it is often a significant leap up the career ladder. It can be difficult to gain experience in this Subject Librarianship and few libraries have roles such as Assistant Liaison Librarians that allow a smoother transition.

In this online event, both recently appointed and more experienced Subject Librarians will discuss their routes into Subject Librarianship and what they have learned along the way. They will discuss the key aspects of the role and provide advice for those who want to take a similar path. A Subject Team manager will also discuss what skills are required for Subject Librarians and what opportunities you might wish to look at in order to successfully make the transition. Presentations from the speakers will be followed by a panel Q&A, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Programme
10.00am    “I’d like to work here because the pond looks nice”:  The do’s and don’ts of applying to be a                                     subject librarian  – Dr J. Adam Edwards, Middlesex University, London
10.20am      Q&A
10.30am     Anatomy of a subject librarian – Anne-Lise Harding, House of Commons Library
10.50am     Q&A
11.00am     Break
11.05am     Traversing the gap  – The challenge of jumping from library assistant to subject librarian –                                         Chloe Starling, Middlesex University, London
11.25am     Q&A
11.35am     Panel Q&A

Speaker biographies:

Adam Edwards is Library Liaison Manager for Law; Science and Technology and Collaborative Partners at Middlesex University, London. Based on his work developing information literacy practice at Middlesex University he was awarded a DProf by Public Works in 2016, jointly with his colleague Vanessa Hill.

He has previously worked as a library manager at Roehampton University London, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and London South Bank University.  He has extensive experience of shortlisting, interviewing and training new subject librarians and from this will be offering advice on what to do and what not to do when applying for this role.

Anne-Lise Harding is Senior Liaison Librarian at the House of Commons Library, working closely with Select Committees. She is a committee member of both the Information Literacy Group as Government sector representative and the London Network as social media officer at CILIP. She has a background working in education libraries in management and strategic roles.

In this presentation, Anne-Lise will address knowledge brokerage, skills and their transferability in order to become a subject librarian as well as give an insight into working for Parliament.

Chloe Starling started her first qualified position at Middlesex University as a Subject Liaison Librarian in September 2019 after studying at University of Sheffield to gain a MA Librarianship. Chloe was always passionate about books, reading for pleasure, and teaching people skills to help them in their daily lives, whether that be for studying or finding a good restaurant! In her spare time, Chloe enjoys writing picture books, creating comics, and generally being arty. She likes to promote the value of reading visual narratives, like comics, and how they can educate and entertain us in unique way.

Cost
£25.00 members
£50.00 non member institutions

Information for joining:

  • This session is virtual and will run via Zoom. Once your booking has been confirmed, joining instructions will be emailed the day before the event.
  • Electronic CPD attendance certificates can be provided on request. Please request via cpd25@london.ac.uk

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

To book a place please use our online booking form. Please remember to include your PO number as bookings cannot be confirmed without this.

Booking form for M25 Members   Booking form for non-Members