Library services
Making the Most of your Library - a guide for English lecturers
What are subject librarians, what do they do?
A theme of this guide is the need to talk to librarians, particularly subject librarians. Most university libraries will have someone who is working in the subject librarian’s role, although they may have another title such as ‘Information Adviser’. But who are subject librarians and what do they do? Subject librarians work with academic departments to identify and address the library and information needs of staff and students in particular discipline areas. They typically providing user education sessions tailored to the needs of departments, manage the library’s collections to keep them effective and relevant and help users at all levels to make best use of library resources. In some institutions the subject librarian may be a ’one-stop-shop’ for the academic on any library and possibly IT-related matter; in others they may refer you to another member of library or computer centre staff.
We would encourage you to:
- find out who the subject librarian for English is, either by checking your library’s website or asking at the enquiry desk
- contact your subject librarian and, especially if you are a new member of staff, ask for a tour of the library and introduction to its online facilities
- keep them informed about any problems or plans relating to teaching resources for your students.
