The Evolution of Media Librarianship: A Tangled History of Change and Constancy

Abstract

In the past 75 years, media librarians have witnessed and dealt with a steady and often bewildering progression of new media forms and formats, as well as a rapidly expanding content universe. Media collections and services in libraries have therefore evolved at a rapid pace. Media librarianship has undergone a significant transformation, buffeted by changing perceptions of the field, changing expectations, new roles, and new demands. As a framework for looking toward the future of the profession, this article provides an overview of the birth and evolution of media librarianship in the United States, including a snapshot of the current state of the profession, the organization and staffing of media operations, and professional training for media librarianship.