Shaping the future of academic libraries: Authentic learning for the next generation

Abstract

In the context of future of academic librarianship terms such as “blended” and “embedded” librarian have been used to describe emerging greater levels of involvement within the universities enterprise. Simultaneously new pedagogical approaches are being developed towards more authentic and engaging learning experiences. This case study documents the redevelopment of an undergraduate course supported by librarian leadership to deliver more engaging and authentic assessment tasks culminating in a library published peer-reviewed eJournal. It provides exemplars of ‘new’ librarian roles including co-teacher, publisher and communications expert, while also demonstrating the effective integration of professional graduate attributes into academic curriculum.