A Framework for Access Services Librarianship: An Initiative Sponsored by the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Access Services Interest Group

Abstract

This framework is a culmination of a three-year effort by Access Services professionals1 across the United States to define and describe a framework for Access Services librarianship. The ACRL Access Services Interest Group, established in July 2016, produced this work through a multi-step process that began with discussing and drafting a charge (Appendix A). After group discussions at ALA Midwinter in 2018, the IG identified four primary sections for the framework2. Subsequently, the group established four focus groups with seven members each chaired by volunteers to address each section. Unedited drafts from each focus group were submitted for additional review and discussion at ALA Annual in 2018, and through the ACRL Access Services Interest Group listserv. This document represents the collective work of these thirty-one individuals along with the feedback, suggestions, and encouragement from Access Services professionals across the country over the past 18 months. This framework should be of interest to academic librarians both inside and outside of Access Services as it intends to help shape, define, and explain the scope of this branch of librarianship as it continues to provide essential services and oversight of core library functions in 21st century college or research libraries. While the concept of Access Services is not new, this framework stands on the works of several individuals, groups, and reports submitted over the last 25 years and is hoped to bring a concrete framework to bear that will continue to build upon, expand, and greater define this specialization for the foreseeable future.