Let’s Get to Work: Exploring the Intricacies Behind Newly Created Roles in Librarianship

Abstract

In this article, three academic librarians discuss the benefits and challenges in starting inaugural positions as tenure-track librarians at the University of Illinois. Using an autoethnographic method, the authors reflect on what it is like to grow, develop, and maintain relationships and collaborations in a primarily online environment during a global pandemic. Themes of relationship building, the importance of communication, and the necessity of setting goals emerged from their discussions with each other. The various complexities of their experiences are discussed, and recommendations for other librarians in newly related roles and suggestions for supervisors overseeing these positions are included towards the end of the article.