How to reinvent librarians: five top tips from around the world

The Global Librarian is a joint publication from two New York-based library organisations, the Association of College and Research Libraries (Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter) and the Metropolitan New York Library Council. It aims to highlight librarians around the globe who have taken active steps to reinvent themselves while reinvigorating their profession. We've picked five practical tips:   

Join forces

In this increasingly global, interconnected community, the key to success is through partnership and collaboration. No one person or organisation has the skills, tools, talent and resources to provide quality service to all users at all times. For example, Xin Li of Cornell University successfully embarked on several partnerships with China and Taiwan. Don't forget to organise and network with library professionals – you never know when a new partnership may emerge. Don't underestimate the value of joining and actively participating in professional organisations such as the International Federation of Library Associations, the American Library Association or other regional associations – or perhaps you might take the lead in helping to establish one in your area. Professional participation helps you to network and connect with others outside your own institution. Tom Nielsen (Metro) recaps how a library organisation was a conduit for its members to bring library research skills and knowhow to non-library communities in New York City.

To thine own self (and patrons) be true

As librarianship is changing, so too are the information needs of our constituents. We must take a long, hard, honest look at those whom we serve and how their needs have shifted in this global, online environment. Where are we succeeding? Where are we falling short? Follow the lead of Matthew Bolen and the team at Denver public library, where they developed learning and language programs to meet the needs of an increasingly Spanish-speaking immigrant population. As Amrita Madray of Adelphi University reminds us, we need to be aware of cultural and language diversity when serving international populations. Just remember: another librarian's "good idea" is only good for you if it answers the needs of your community. Conducting demographic studies and needs assessments are vital before you begin to create new programs and services.

Embrace creativity

Take a fresh look at the tools and resources already at your fingertips – even the ones that you may believe to be useless. Ben Turner of St John's University shows us how using the freely accessible but accuracy-compromised Wikipedia can be used to promote information literacy and critical thinking skills.

Get out from behind that desk (figuratively and literally)

Librarianship is a service profession. We should not be wedded to a traditional physical point-of-service model, but must make it possible to announce: "The librarian has left the building." From Sara Wingate Gray's insights into the role of itinerant librarians in the digital age to Rachel Wightman's experiences as librarian in Kampala, Uganda, librarians around the globe have discovered both the challenges and rewards of providing service beyond the walls of the library building.

Share ideas

When a new idea works, tell the world. When a new idea does not work, tell them anyway. Librarians can learn from one another, even in the face of failure. Success stories are wonderful to tweak and replicate in your libraries. Others' failures can be just as valuable. They often provide precious insights into lessons learned and overcoming obstacles. Either way, share what you have done through publications, presentations, blogs and other forms of social media. A case in point: the Moving Image Media Hub, created by Dorothea Coiffe of the Borough of Manhattan Community College and the City University of New York, has been made freely accessible, allowing it to be a global resource.

Naturally, these are just a few examples of the way librarians are redefining how they serve communities' changing needs for access, use, creation and preservation of information. Do you have any other examples to add? Please share in the comments.

Caroline Fuchs is a co-editor at the Global Librarian

Want your say? Email us at public.leaders@guardian.co.uk.

To get our articles on policy and leadership direct to your inbox, sign up to the Guardian Public Leaders Network now.

Looking for your next role? See our Guardian jobs site for senior executive jobs in government and politics.