Information literacy frameworks provide powerful tools for enhancing student learning, but their successful implementation requires thoughtful collaboration between information professionals and subject matter experts. By serving as translators, curriculum consultants, and instructional partners, information professionals can help SMEs create learning experiences that develop both disciplinary expertise and essential information skills.

The investment in such collaboration pays dividends not only in improved student performance but also in creating more engaged, critical thinkers who are prepared for lifelong learning in an information-rich world. As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape, these partnerships become not just beneficial but essential for student success.

The key lies in recognizing that information literacy and disciplinary learning are not competing priorities but complementary aspects of comprehensive education. When SMEs and information professionals work together to align learning objectives with information literacy skills, students develop the sophisticated thinking abilities they need to succeed in their chosen fields and as informed citizens.

When most people hear the word “librarian,” they picture someone helping you find books or shushing noisy teens in a public library. But if you step into the world of academic or specialized libraries, you’ll find that many librarians are actually doing something a lot like sales. Seriously.

These librarians aren’t just recommending a good read. They are product experts, marketing strategists, tech trainers, and yes, even sales reps — though they might not call themselves that.

Think about a librarian at a university or a medical research center. They aren’t just pointing to a database and walking away. They’re introducing professors or doctors to resources they may have never heard of. They explain what those tools can do, how they compare to others, how they save time or support grant writing, and why they are worth the investment. That sounds a whole lot like a product consultant, doesn’t it?

A lot of these librarians are even involved in the sales funnel, especially when it comes to vendor tools or digital products that the library subscribes to on behalf of a larger institution. Sometimes the librarian is the buyer, sometimes the influencer, and sometimes the one out there selling the value of a product internally — to department heads, faculty, or admin decision-makers. They’ve got to be persuasive. They’ve got to make the case.

And let’s not forget marketing. Specialized librarians often create flyers, write emails, post on social, run workshops, or give presentations — all to raise awareness and boost usage of tools the library already pays for. If people don’t use them, they disappear. It’s classic marketing with a side of advocacy. If that isn’t sales adjacent, I don’t know what is.

In corporate settings, it can go even further. A librarian might work for a tech company or research firm and spend their time training clients, onboarding teams, answering product questions, and showcasing new features. They’re teaching people how to get the most out of a product the company makes. That’s education, but it’s also retention, satisfaction, and upselling — the stuff that keeps business flowing.

So while librarians may not carry a sales quota or cold-call clients, make no mistake. Many of them are deep in the business of selling. They just happen to do it with a service-first mindset, a deep knowledge base, and a whole lot of finesse.

If you’ve ever thought of librarians as behind-the-scenes folks who quietly shelve books, think again. Some of them are out there pitching ideas, winning hearts, and driving decisions — one “let me show you something cool” at a time.

To achieve these outcomes, a few critical factors must be in place:

• High-quality programming: AI must be trained on library-specific resources and common questions unique to each institution.

• Clear escalation paths: Users should easily know when and how to transition to live help.

• Ongoing updates: AI systems must evolve with new library services, database changes, and emerging user needs.

• Human collaboration: Librarians should be part of the AI design process to ensure it reflects real-world service expertise and user-centered thinking.

In today’s digital age, students have access to an overwhelming amount of information. But access does not equal understanding. So, why are librarians essential in teaching research skills at the college level? And how does their instruction influence student success?

As a lover of classical education and someone passionate about library science, I often find myself standing at the crossroads of the old and the new—between Socratic dialogues and digital databases, between Aristotle and the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy. What surprises me most is how often these two seemingly different worlds speak the same language.

At the heart of classical education is the Trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—a time-tested framework for forming wise, articulate, and discerning learners. In library science, especially in the teaching of information literacy, we too seek to form individuals who are not just consumers of information, but curators, critics, and creators. The synergy between these two approaches is not only striking—it’s essential.

The key to successful integration is visibility. Embedding library resources in an LMS should not be an afterthought; rather, it should be strategically placed within course modules, assignments, and discussion boards. This proactive approach helps students develop strong research habits and enhances their overall learning experience.

By working together, librarians, SMEs, and curriculum developers can create a seamless, resource-rich learning environment that enhances engagement and academic success. A well-structured framework ensures that these collaborations yield meaningful results—leveraging existing library resources to their full potential while fostering a culture of information literacy and critical thinking.

AI-generated summaries are not neutral; they reflect the biases of their training data. Librarians can educate researchers on recognizing these biases and cross-checking AI-generated insights with authoritative sources.

For PhD researchers, the strategic use of digital research tools and methodologies is not merely a convenience but a necessity. By integrating advanced search techniques, leveraging specialized academic databases, and utilizing robust citation management software, scholars can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and impact of their research. Understanding and applying these tools is fundamental to navigating the complexities of contemporary academic inquiry, ensuring that research is both comprehensive and credible.

By integrating research skills into education, librarians help individuals develop habits that ensure their work is credible and well-informed. Whether it's an academic paper, a professional report, or an online article, the ability to critically evaluate sources, cite information correctly, and present factual content is invaluable in any field.

Librarians are educators, mentors, and advocates for information literacy. As the digital world continues to evolve, their role in bridging critical thinking and digital literacy remains essential in fostering an informed society. By investing in research education, we empower individuals to think critically, engage with reliable sources, and contribute meaningfully to the world of knowledge.

The Importance of Programmatic Accreditation: Ensuring Quality, Safety, and Industry Relevance

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring that academic programs maintain rigorous standards of quality, safety, and industry relevance is essential. Programmatic accreditation serves as a vital mechanism to uphold these standards, providing oversight to specific disciplines and ensuring that graduates are prepared to excel in their respective fields. Unlike institutional accreditation, which assesses an entire college or university, programmatic accreditation focuses on individual programs, examining their curricula, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Navigating the labyrinth of library accreditation requirements set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) can be as daunting as finding a specific book in a library without a catalog. However, with the right expertise, this process can transform from a complex puzzle into a straightforward task.

The Inevitable Bias: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Let’s face it—bias is as unavoidable as stepping on a LEGO in the dark. Everything, from the books we read to the news we consume, has some kind of perspective baked into it. It’s not always sinister; sometimes, it’s just a natural part of how humans communicate. But in today’s world, where false information spreads faster than a kindergartener with a secret, we have to ask ourselves: Are we letting this divide us? Are we so caught up in ourselves that we’re missing the bigger picture?

It’s Not About You

This might sting a little, but here it is: It’s not all about you. Or me. Or any of us, individually. And yet, we’ve been trained to think it is.

Are we letting them grow up in a world where echo chambers and algorithms decide what’s real for them?

Supporting Faith-Based Higher Education: How Expert Librarians Enhance Student Success and Institutional Missions

Faith-based higher education institutions play a vital role in shaping students academically, spiritually, and ethically. To maintain academic integrity and institutional credibility, many faith-related colleges and universities seek accreditation from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These accrediting bodies ensure that institutions uphold rigorous academic standards while remaining true to their religious missions.

Maximizing Compliance and Academic Excellence: How a Library Expert Can Help Navigate DEAC’s Updated Accreditation Standards

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) has recently implemented key updates to its Accreditation Standards, effective January 1, 2025. These updates reflect a continued effort to enhance educational quality and institutional accountability. Among the many revisions, Standard IV: Academic Achievement and Standard VII: Learning Materials and Resources introduce essential changes that institutions must address to maintain compliance and improve student outcomes.

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