Opposing Forces: Navigating the Duality of Scholarly Communication Work

Abstract

They go by many names and wear many hats, but a core function of a scholarly communication librarian (SCL) is upholding the rights of publishers while simultaneously supporting alternative methods of publication and dissemination. Simply put, as these positions are often currently implemented, SCLs strive toward two competing goals, creating a duality in the work. This duality requires a breadth of knowledge that is impossible to acquire without extensive experience and a patient mentor. In fact, the 2017 “NASIG Core Competencies for Scholarly Communication Librarians” report acknowledges the complexity of the job: “responsibility for the full suite of competencies is beyond the reach of even the most accomplished librarian.”