We’ve all heard the saying “I’m doing my job right if no one knows I’m doing it.” What if, instead, we make sure everyone knows? This session will discuss the needs for soft skills and relationship building for metadata professionals, and other technical service positions. Metadata work is often thought to be very solitary and technical work, and while this is true, there are benefits to building out relationships and soft skills in this position. This presentation will re-frame technical work as a front-facing service and highlight ways that technical service workers can play active roles at their institution. This includes being able to advocate for our needs, resources, and how our work benefits the library and institution. Since this might be outside the comfort zone for some colleagues, we will provide a variety of strategies that can be used.
