Back in Circulation Again 2024

What strengths do librarians who have previously worked in public libraries bring to the academic library environment, specifically the Access Services unit? Public librarians sometimes struggle to get their foot in the door when applying for academic librarian positions but often offer specific strengths to this new environment. Access Services, with its strong public-facing role in the library, can be a particularly good fit. This session considers the similarities and differences between public library and academic library Access Services as well as the strengths and different perspectives that public librarians bring to this area of the academic community, some of which may be overlooked. Pulling from her own personal experience transitioning from public to academic libraries and from research, the presenter will explore this experience to suggest our profession broadens our perspective when hiring.