Navigating the Modern Libraryscape: The Changing Roles, Labor, and Education of Public Librarians

Public libraries and their staff have recently faced a wide array of challenges. Some of these challenges include supporting services for incarcerated individuals, unhoused patrons, and others experiencing crises (American Library Association, 2023; Gross et al., 2024; Knox, 2023; Wahler and Johnson, 2024). These recent challenges give us, as scholars and educators, an opportunity to take a step back and trace the dynamic work of public library professionals. In response, public library workers take on a variety of tasks. These may involve connecting patrons to social service resources, partnering with community organizations, or creating programs to support specific community needs and interests. Some of this work undertaken by public library staff involves routine, everyday tasks. Other labor is in response to community crises. Understanding this work is central to our ability to consider how the realities of public library work impact LIS scholarship and education. This panel provides a space for open conversation among panelists and the ALISE community to address the following overarching questions: What does the work of public librarianship look like, in terms of roles and labor? How can a better understanding of these roles and the reality of public library work inform how we approach LIS scholarship and teaching? Our panel will consider several aspects of public library work, with a view toward connecting theory, research, and practical workforce preparation.