Hybrid Data Services Librarians A concept for integrating a data services librarian into an existing role

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate how to incorporate a data services librarian role into another role for a library, often where staff or workload limitations are prohibitive for hiring a specialist. Method: An R2 university which until recently was not a DRU, attempted to combine a traditional research and instruction liaison role to a subject specialty and a new data services role. The university, needing a subject specialist for a prominent set of disciplines, but also needing a librarian to handle the new demand (or expectation) for data services, combined the two roles into one position. Changes were made to the role of the outgoing librarian to accommodate the new data services role, while an essential body for reference and instruction was not lost to the department. Results: The initial structuring of duties has been managed without much issue. Selecting facets of data services to provide to the campus, rather than trying to contribute the entire corpus of data services, has effectively managed the workload of one staff member who also works normal reference, instruction, and liaison shifts within the library. Conclusions: Libraries with limited staffing abilities need not fear the inability to hire a full time data services librarian, so long as someone on the staff is willing to take the responsibility. The distribution of labor, while perhaps an addition to the workload of a staff member, need not be arduous or difficult provided that the individual(s) have a clear plan for how to provide the needed services for a campus.