TCDL 2026

Curious about what academic librarians really do day-to-day? This panel, “A Day in the Life of,” offers an inside look at the diverse roles within academic libraries. Featuring librarians from different disciplines within the library environment (such as reference and instruction, research services, cataloging and metadata services, etc.), panelists will share what their jobs entail, how they structure their time, and the skills they use most. New attendees will learn how these positions contribute to student success and scholarly work, as well as how librarians adapt to emerging trends like open access and digital scholarship. Returning participants can look forward to deepening their connections and expanding their existing networks. Whether you’re exploring career paths or wondering how your coursework connects to real-world practice, this session provides practical insights and candid perspectives to help you envision your future in academic librarianship.

Hobbies develop skills that can be applied to real life situations, such as networking, researching, and managing complex collections. Work experience can also lead to discovering new interests that would otherwise go unnoticed. In the spirit of finding joy, this Birds-of-a-Feather will discuss how information professionals have cultivated and maintained their hobbies through their work while also highlighting the benefits in integrating those interests into their daily routines. This discussion is open to all audience members, regardless of their experience levels in librarianship and their interests.