To support the continual evolution of libraries’ roles in education, research, and resource development, CARL engages with its members to develop programs and expertise to address these needs. By fostering professional growth, advocating for inclusive hiring practices, and providing access to shared resources, CARL helps strengthen the human resource capacity of Canada’s research libraries.
Competencies for Librarians in Canadian Research Libraries
The Competencies for Librarians in Canadian Research Libraries (2020) is a foundational resource that outlines the essential skills and knowledge required for success in research libraries. In 2017, CARL’s Competencies Working Group (CWG) was established under the Strengthening Capacity Committee to refresh the 2010 Core Competencies for 21st Century CARL Librarians. The revision process was highly consultative, incorporating feedback from a broad range of library professionals at different career stages. Following an extensive community consultation, a final version of the revised competencies was released, reflecting the evolving needs of the profession.
-> View the Competencies for Librarians in Canadian Research Libraries
Research Libraries Position Description Bank
The Research Libraries Position Description Bank (RL PD Bank) is a searchable, national repository of position descriptions from major academic and research libraries. It facilitates the sharing of information, helps institutions organize and manage their position descriptions, and ensures long-term digital preservation. Originally launched by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in 2013, the system has since expanded to include partner consortia, with CARL joining in 2015. Access to the RL PD Bank is managed at the institutional level, with designated leads responsible for user approvals.
Equivalences to the ALA Accredited LIS Degree
In an effort to better understand and respect possible equivalencies to the ALA-accredited LIS degree and thus broaden the pool of candidates to be more inclusive of those with non-ALA accredited degrees, CARL recommends the University of Toronto’s Comparative Education Service (CES), which can provide you with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) that indicates how your international credentials compare to those offered in Canada.
Canadian Library Human Resources Study
The 8Rs Canadian Library Human Resource Study is a national research project designed to examine important facets of library human resources from both organizational and individual perspectives.
The original 8Rs study, conducted in 2003 and 2004, arose in response to a growing perception in the community that libraries would be facing mass retirements within the following five to fifteen years.
Using the 2003 study as a baseline, CARL commissioned a new study of its member libraries to assess the state of Canadian academic libraries as it compared to the 2003 study, its recommendations and its outcomes.
8Rs Redux Full Report │ 8Rs Redux Executive Summary (2015)
8Rs redux CLA Presentation (2015)
8Rs Canadian Library Human Resource Study (2003)