Ambassadors of the book: competences and training for heritage librarians

Abstract

What competences are needed for heritage librarians, and how can they be taught? The management of heritage collections requires a unique mix of knowledge and skills, including expertise in preservation and conservation; heritage policies; acquisitions and collection management; bibliographic description; the materiality of books and other collection objects; and the history of libraries. Librarians must also understand the need for open access, the importance of marketing, and the challenges posed by digitization.