In answer to your question "What kinds of competencies a subject librarian should have?"

From my perspective, a subject librarian should have a degree in relevant discipline plus a qualification in library in and information science.

Hi Yanan,

I did edit a book on this topic published in 2006. May be a bit old now but the reference is:  Dale, P., Holland, M., & Matthews, M., (eds.) 2006. Subject Librarians: Engaging with the Learning and Teaching Environment. Aldershot UK: Ashgate.

There might be some full text here [ https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Subject_Librarians.html?id=ybt0ci_4esIC&redir_esc=y&hl=en ] and there are two chapters free online here [ http://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/1461/ ] and here [  http://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/196/ ]. It's a topic I haven't thought about for a while,  I will add an answer when I have a moment. BW Matt. 

@ Yanan Xie,

There was a somewhat related question to this topic, several months ago, to which I also contributed my pennywise of knowledge: "How do I measure the personal and professional competencies of the librarians in academic libraries" (see link below).

Generally, I would recommend, that you distinguish between three broad classes of competencies, as already alluded to by my precursors:

• linguistic competencies of a practical / applied sort, concerning lexicography, vocabulary, syntax and semantics, including special topics like a thesaurus, dictionary, word frequency, homonyms, synonyms, all that especially for the language(s) you will be working with;
• technical competencies as to the kind of primary publications and meta-publications (by which I mean all sorts of sources indexing or abstracting primary publications), both paper and digital form, and the way how to search for, acquire and further handling those sorts of publications;
• the specific subject matter of the discipline or subdisciplines you will be working with, not in all details, of course, but generally and broadly enough to make decisions when for instance classifying and searching particular publications, whether paper or digital

So in the 21th century there will a mix of very old competencies, which are so basic, that it will always be part of the theoretical and practical skills of librarians, and a couple of new competencies which have mainly to do with the introduction into this field of computers and computer networks, online databases and other digital search engines, international standards, etc.

However, IMHO, this is an important difference between the current situation and that of some 20-30 years ago, although there were already many computers on the library market, so to speak. Whereas in 80es and 90es still many scholars and researchers needed help of librarians as intermediaries to the world of digital information (library databases tend to be very complicated for the layperson), the world has seen a dramatic (r)evolution to do-it-yourself services for researchers and scholars of all type, although in some branches computer-supported tools and services are more broadly disseminated and accepted as in other ones.

Does this help you?

https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_do_I_measure_the_personal_and_professional_competencies_of_the_librarians_in_academic_libraries

Not only should a subject librarian have a qualification in a specific subject in addition to LIS but I think that they should also be able to link that subject to related subjects, fields or areas.

Core Competencies for a REFERENCE LIBRARIAN

BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES

·        Possesses and continually develops broad general knowledge

·        Continually builds upon basic knowledge of information resources

·        Develops areas of specialization

·        Demonstrates awareness of library-system resources

SKILL IN CONDUCTING REFERENCE INTERVIEWS

·        Assesses customers’ requirements and abilities, and appropriately identifies materials, databases and Web sites to match their needs.

·        Uses SMART skills (welcoming behaviors, techniques to identify patron needs, and follow through) in every reference transaction.

·        Applies this model to all reference transactions regardless of venue, including in-person, telephone, e-mail and real-time chat.

·        Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse populations with varying needs.

PROFESSIONAL SEARCH SKILLS

·        Capable of finding and evaluating the information resources best suited for answering specific questions in a variety of subject areas.

·        Understands the structure and organization of information in a variety of disciplines and formats.

·        Expertly searches catalogs, databases and Internet sources

KOWLEDGE OF POLICIES, PROCEDURES, ETHICS AND ISSUES

·        Maintains current awareness of professional issues impacting libraries.

·        Demonstrates knowledge of library policies, procedures and service standards.

·        Proactively defends free access to information and effectively resolves challenges to intellectual freedom.

·        Maintains confidentiality of patrons.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

·        Continually develops skills in using technological tools.

·        Finds ways to remove technological barriers and facilitates information access for patrons.

·        Uses technology to contribute to value-added products, such as bibliographies, databases and Web pages.

·        Functions creatively in a Web-based environment.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

·        Uses effective team process skills to develop and achieve organizational goals, and to work collaboratively with all levels of library staff.

·        Communicates openly, directly, clearly, and respectfully with customers and colleagues.

·        Demonstrates active listening skills with customers and colleagues.

·        Focuses on solutions, rather than problems.

READERS’ ADVISOR

·        Reads in a variety of fields and genres.

·        Develops and practices readers’ advisory skills to promote reading for every age and reading level.

TEACHING AND PRESENTATION SKILLS

·        Develops and practices readers’ advisory skills to promote reading for every age and reading level.

·        Increases awareness of the role of libraries and librarians in information literacy.

·        Comfortably presents information in a clear and engaging manner, in dealing with customers one-on-one or groups, in formal and informal settings.

·        Uses a variety of presentation techniques to convey information to people with different learning styles.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

·        Proactively seeks ways to enhance the library experience for users.

·        Applies knowledge of various developmental stages of life in serving customers.

·        Adds value to reference services.

COMMITMENT TO LIFE-LONG LEARNING

·        Anticipates and manages change effectively.

·        Pursues learning opportunities, personally or through formal training.

·        Actively participates in the professional community.

·        Remains knowledgeable in current events and popular culture.

·        Is flexible, adapting to new situations, systems, tools.

In fact the skills, abilities, aptitudes and competence required by a subject librarian can be broad or narrow depending on the position and job requirements. I shall add to the points raised above, especially by Paul Vossen: 'Soft skills'- personal qualities and attitudes that can help you to work well with others and make a positive contribution to organisations you work for. These include tact and diplomacy, good communication and interpersonal skills.

This is based on personal experience of working as a Subject Librarian.  I would say that it is in the mode of services to students, researchers and teachers.  I would never have claimed any degree of scholarship in the areas I supported.

Teaching. The ability to get an idea across, plan a lesson and deliver it at an appropriate pace.  Carry out an assessment and gather feedback and respond to it. UK HE now delivers a P.G. Cert in teaching for new lecturers. Librarians, where they can get support have taken this course and found it beneficial. 

Technology.  I would add skills in using social media for work purposes, basic technology skills using spreadsheets etc. An awareness of educational technology, VLE's and education delivered over networks. As a subject librarian you may want to deliver instruction using technology or work to support students learning through VLE's or lecturers delevering materials though VLE's. In addition the ability to use and explain Reference Management Software. 

Management Skills. Higher level management skills may be advantageous, but not necessary. I would include, the confidence and ability to put ideas across in a meeting.  Able to present ideas in a written form. Prepare and deliver a budget and basic project management and team working skills. 

Domain Knowledge.  A personal view, but a relevant degree Science for those who support science subjects etc.  What I would call Library skills, the ability to understand and deconstruct the literature of a subject, know the forms of literature and their purposes.  For example the main reference works, key databases etc. Advanced search skills in all the relevant databases and a detailed and up to knowledge of interfaces and the ability to keep up with developments. 

Interpersonal Skills. The ability to construct a reference interview,. Good interpersonal skills that enable you to understand individual needs, the wider context (course level etc.) and deliver the appropriate solutions. The ability to network with researchers and teaching staff to ensure good communications and knowledge exchange. 

Resource Collection Management skills. The ability to keep up with developments in the literature and secure the resources that match the needs of your users/organisation. 

The core competencies—research services, scholarly communication, use of digital tools, teaching, and collection development and access—are benchmarks for superior service.

By outlining few competencies among library professional, we may be somewhere demeaning the true competencies of LIS professionals. Library professionals are making significant contribution in almost every sphere and it would be difficult to identify the sphere where the library professionals are not able to contribute.   

You should have knowledge at least of the works and their most important authors, characteristics of the works so that you can suggest and give ideas to people who consult.