There's no question libraries have evolved over the past decade – filling gaps in access to technology, providing access to digital collections and shifting to meet the need for full-serve community spaces. But as libraries of all ilks were busy reimaging themselves, Canadian guidelines for educating library technicians were gathering dust.

In 2021, Lisa Shamchuk and Dr. Norene Erickson, profs in the Library and Information Technology program in MacEwan's School of Business, set out to change that. They hired a student research assistant Allison Williams, conducted a complete environmental scan of the industry and library technician programs across Canada, and surveyed library technicians and other industry professionals about what the role looks like today. The result? A ton of data, a lot of learning – and an award of excellence in library service from the Library Association of Alberta.

Shamchuk and Dr. Erickson told MacEwan's Office of Research Services Research Recast(ed) podcast about the two changes to the national guidelines that stood out most: an increasing need for technological expertise and recognition of the social demands of library work.

"Ten years ago, the guidelines talked about excellent customer service, but not really about empathy, compassion and trauma-informed practice," said Dr. Erickson. "The new guidelines focus more on what we call workplace skills – essential 'soft skills' – needed to work in those sorts of difficult situations."

Sometimes, said Dr. Erickson, libraries are the only place where people can access critical information and get the assistance they need – whether that’s filling out a government form, accessing housing information or finding urgent help in difficult situations.

"I was in an interview with a library manager just a few weeks ago, and she was talking about trying to help someone who was a victim of domestic violence in the library on a Saturday," she said. "There were no places open, so the librarians and library techs were figuring out where they could refer her."

If preparing future library technicians to meet the range of emerging needs is the ultimate goal, updating the national education guidelines was just the first step. So for the past year, the researchers have been translating their research findings and guideline updates into meaningful changes to the curriculum for library technician programs, including MacEwan's, which has been part of the university's programming since it opened its doors in 1971.

"We've talked a lot about the challenging side of working in a library, but I think it's also important to recognize what an incredible profession it can be," said Dr. Erickson, who also studies the emotional labour librarians and library technicians experience in public library settings. "When you're able to help someone in a difficult situation in a public library, a stressed-out student in an academic library, or a child in a school library, it's all worthwhile." 

Shamchuk, who is working toward co-creating research with school librarians and library technicians, agreed. "On the very first day, we tell our students that they may be here because they like to read books, but this isn’t a profession where they sit and read. They’re going to work with people and technology every day. If that’s something that interests them, then they’re in the right place."

Watch the full podcast