The relational dimension of librarianship

Introduction. As libraries increasingly are used as civic spaces, places for participation and community building, the implications for librarians need further consideration. This paper presents the concept relational librarianship, intended to provide a novel perspective on librarians’ relational role. Method. The paper presents and discusses scholarly work from library and information science (LIS) and introduces relational competence as a relevant perspective on librarianship. Analysis. The analysis pays particular attention to how relational competence adds to librarianship and the competences and skills needed today. Results. By embedding relational competence into professional training and practice, librarians can more effectively support social cohesion and community building. This perspective shifts the focus from individual interactions to the broader impact of librarians as facilitators of trust and inclusion within diverse communities. Conclusions. Relational librarianship is a new concept that could prove fruitful for researchers, in practical librarianship and for LIS programmes, as it aligns the profession with the growing demand for social connection and inclusivity.