Special librarians achieve sustainability by understanding that evolving end user requirements demand new services, innovative solutions, information discovery on-the-go and the most effective channels for knowledge exchange—even (perhaps especially) in these days of diminishing resources.

A theory proposed by S.R. Ranganathan before the advent of the digital age detailed the five principles of operating a library system. Since its publication in 1931, a number of variants have been suggested—but rather than rewriting the principles, let’s examine how “The Original 5” still apply today.

The art and science of UX, or user experience, is becoming a topic that lots of people are talking about—but most of us don’t know the details, how UX can help, where to use it, and what it really is, specifically when we talk about using it to design the library or knowledge portal for an information intensive organization.

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) a threat to your career? Yes. But read on.

AI is likely to have an increasingly significant impact on the knowledge management profession over time. But with the right strategy, you can be assured of remaining employed in your chosen field.

Special librarians are continually asked to do more, even in the face of diminishing resources. Many special librarians are all too aware of this, and hearing about effective ways to thrive nonetheless is one of the reasons that information professionals attend the SLA annual conference.

Solo librarians need powerful time management tools, since they are running their libraries without paraprofessional staff to assist. I’ve learned that many solo librarians (as well as other professionals) use their smartphones to manage and organize their time.

In The Stormy Librarian, there are various information and knowledge management challenges. Many are common to special librarians, despite the sector, organization size or geography they support. Planning to overcome these challenges is an important part of the role. Luckily, help is on the way.

I recently saw a great infographic based on Larry Cooperman’s book, Managing the One-Person Library. It’s a “test” that allows you to assess whether you have the right stuff to operate as a solo librarian (and it can also be used as a recruiting and hiring aid). Please read on for some secrets to effective one-person library management.