The Syracuse University Library Learning Commons Resident Librarian (LCRL) program was established in 2009 as a diversity initiative with special emphasis on serving the University’s undergraduate population.
The LCRL program provides librarians transitioning from graduate study to professional practice an opportunity to gain practical experience and explore potential career options under the mentorship and guidance of experienced library professionals. The Library in turn may learn from resident librarians about the latest scholarship, research, and practice regarding undergraduate services.
Through this program the Library employs two librarians in staggered two-year terms. Resident Librarians provide core services including reference, outreach, orientation and group instruction in general and interdisciplinary topics. Resident Librarians also contribute in one or more of the following areas:
- Emerging technologies and service innovation including Web 2.0 services
- Virtual reference and other web services
- Researching undergraduate student learning and communication behaviors using ethnographic and other research modalities
- Planning and development of LC programs and facilities
- Creating and developing partnerships with other campus units
- Service assessment
Resident librarians receive financial support for professional development and conference attendance comparable to that of other SU Librarians. Resident Librarians also may receive funding for participation in programs designed to support and educate early career and/or librarians from underrepresented populations. They serve on library committees and working groups in order to experience the full spectrum of professional engagement. The library’s mentoring program facilitates pairing Resident Librarians with a mentor to further assist with networking, career development, and other aspects of professional life.
While Resident Librarians’ primary assignment is in the Learning Commons, they may explore other areas of the library through job shadowing, special projects, and short-term assignments in other departments based on individual interests.
Examples of projects and assignments undertaken by previous and current Resident Librarians include
- Contributing to building Learning Commons partnerships with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Department of Athletics Student Support Services, Summer College, Summer Start, and the Syracuse University English Language Institute;
- Developing and assessing new services;
- Creating web guides for International Students and about the library’s use of QR codes;
- Co-teaching information literacy sessions with subject specialists;
- Managing virtual reference email services;
- Conducting staff development sessions on the library’s MyBrary service, IM/SMS Reference Techniques and etiquette;
- Attending the Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians from Traditionally Underrepresented Groups;
- Attending professional conferences including ALA Annual and Midwinter, the 7th National Conference of African American Librarians.
