A web librarian is responsible for all aspects of the library’s online initiatives and projects. This includes the creation, maintenance, and support of the library’s main web site, as well as other web projects involving online databases, outreach, or any other aspect of the library’s operations. Web librarians are in high demand in complex research libraries as technical professionals who can ensure that the library’s online services run smoothly.
Many web librarians work for universities or corporations’ large technical libraries. In these situations, the web librarian will most likely be in charge of keeping an eye on web projects to ensure that they are running smoothly and providing general support for web initiatives. As a graphic designer and content provider, as well as someone who works on technical maintenance or manages the technical needs of library online projects, the web librarian can fill a variety of roles.
A technical instructor is one of the roles that a web librarian can play. When new projects or products create a learning curve for departments, this person may assist in teaching others how to use online library resources or provide critical on-site training for staff or volunteers. These people could create tools to make it easier for the public to use a library’s online resources. Web librarians may be in charge of bringing any updates to the library system’s general departments on a regular basis to ensure that employees are aware of current protocols for using library technology.
A web librarian may also serve as a liaison between various departments or offices. Working with technical departments as well as end-users in other departments is part of this. These individuals may have direct contact with library directors or other executives. They may also meet with various groups or committees within the school or corporation to plan initiatives and projects that are in line with the employer’s requirements. The web librarian may even assist in outreach to secure funding; for example, as a public library employee, the web librarian may attend meetings to discuss strategies for securing municipal funding for the library’s current and future operations.
Web librarians will need to understand some aspects of web design and computer programming as technical employees. They may not need to know everything about how complex online projects are set up, 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 speak with IT personnel about issues. These professionals can build careers in online management within a library department with specific computer programming skills and advanced degrees.