TCDL 2025

Many academic libraries employ staff who do not hold an MLIS but contribute significantly to research support, digital scholarship, and collection management. Despite their expertise—often supported by advanced degrees in other disciplines—these professionals often face limited or unclear career advancement opportunities.

This panel will explore the challenges and possibilities for non-librarian staff seeking promotion within library systems. Panelists will share their experiences navigating institutional policies, advocating for recognition, and making decisions about further education. Discussion topics will include the role of advanced degrees, alternative promotion pathways, and strategies for fostering equitable career growth.

By bringing together voices from different institutional contexts, this session will offer insights into how libraries can better support professional development for all staff—regardless of job title.

As digital collection projects grow in complexity in cultural heritage institutions, so has the need for library professionals to step into the role of product owners. In the agile framework, a product owner is the liaison between the development team and the product stakeholders. This is often a solitary role requiring leadership, project management, communication, and advocacy. A role that isn’t taught but rather learned through years of experience… or a trial by fire. Is there any way to prepare for it? In this Idea Lab, we will learn from each other’s challenges and successes, create community around a shared experience, and identify creative strategies for helping each other make this solitary role more library-centered.