Information management and librarianship careers encompass an immeasurable span of experiences, across various contexts and settings. While information management is a rewarding profession that can provide many pathways for an individual throughout their career, there are barriers and pitfalls to be carefully considered, so that they may become opportunities for professional development instead.
Merga (2022) acknowledges that libraries are dynamic places that are constantly evolving in response to changing demands from within, and beyond, the libraries’ community. Fluctuating funding, and predominantly underfunding, is a pitfall faced my many librarians (Nadarajah, 2025). Pru Mitchell (personal communication, April 2, 2025), Manager Information Services at the Australian Council for Educational Research, advises that information agencies, and those who work there, must adapt, expand or evolve to ensure that the information agency remains useful, providing the services needed for a changing context. Comito et al. (2012) identifies funding as an issue that may provide an opportunity for librarians to become active in library advocacy.
Pavey (2024) agrees that change can indeed be an opportunity for growth and professional development. Adam Howells (personal communication, April 1, 2025), Teacher Librarian at Melbourne Grammar School, identifies new technologies, AI and the changing infosphere as a possible barrier that aspiring librarians or information specialists are likely to encounter. However, he suggests that fulfilling the role of lifelong learner and committing to continual professional development is key to turning this barrier into an opportunity. Howell’s (personal communication, April 1, 2025) advice regarding technological change is to ‘…see where things are going and adapt’. Pavey (2024) agrees that libraries are often at the forefront of social, technological and educational change and as such it is vital for librarians to be well versed in how to navigate change.
Most information roles involve an aspect of community service. The State Library Victoria (SLV) team (personal communication, April 4, 2025) shared advice on the many ways in which SLV actively work to build a visitor-centric culture that has developed shared values around positive patron experiences. Pavey (2024) explains that collaboration and networking are key to being successful in an information service role. She believes that librarians often innately have the passion for their community and the communication skills to ensuring quality connections are made with library users.
As an aspiring teacher librarian, I am committed to gaining ongoing professional experience. As a result of this study tour, I have decided to volunteer for the School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV) conferences to take place later in the year. Pam Saunders (personal communication, April 1, 2025), Executive Officer, SLAV, promoted the benefits of volunteering to gain industry experience as well as contribute back to the profession. As I am currently fulfilling a Teacher Librarian role in a small, rural school, my professional connections are very limited. Visiting the various information agencies on the study tour made me realise the scope of librarianship work and the need to learn from colleagues in other libraries. By attending a SLAV conference as a volunteer, I will have the opportunity to network with other librarians as well as become informed on current issues, contemporary research and new ideas that will benefit my practice within my own library.
References
Comito, L., Geraci, A., & Zabriskie, C. (2012). Grassroots library advocacy. American Library Association.
Merga, M. K. (2022). School libraries supporting literacy and wellbeing. Facet.
Nadarajah, A. (2025). ALIA Blog: regional libraries reaching millions on a shoestring. https://alia.org.au/Web/Web/News/Articles/2024/January-2024/Regional_libraries_reaching_millions.aspx
Onunka, O., Onunka, T., Fawole, A. A., Adeleke, I. J., & Daraojimba, C. (2023). Library and information services in the digital age: Opportunities and challenges. Acta Informatica Malaysia, 7(1), 113-121.
Pavey, S. (2024). The networked librarian: the school librarian’s role in fostering connections, collaboration and co-creation across the community. Facet.