Convergence or collision? : when IT and library skills meet

![CDATA[Clarity of roles in libraries was once a given – you worked in cataloguing or acquisitions or reference or loans. Materials were ordered, physically received and placed on shelves. Helping the client locate physical items to meet a need was the challenge. Systems staff knew they needed to keep the server that ran the catalogue operational, and perhaps throw together a webpage. The two areas complemented each other, but in-depth knowledge of how the other worked was optional. Roll forward to today, and the picture is very different. The challenge now is to connect the client to format-independent information, wherever the client may be. It is essential all staff understand how all operations fit together to deliver this service. Cataloguers deal with metadata and MARCXML, generate PURLs in records and send data via EDI. Front line staff trouble-shoot computer problems which may affect the client experience of connecting to the information. To support this and more, Systems staff must understand library operations and record structures. The myths of ‘secret librarian business’ and ‘secret system business’ have been debunked. Instead there are questions to which no-one yet has the answers. What challenges does this need for convergence of skills present? What do our clients expect of staff? How do we ensure staff members are sufficiently knowledgeable in these areas? What impact does terminology used to describe positions and skills have on recruitment processes and staff expectations?]]