Distinct and expanded roles for reference librarians

Purpose - Proposes advocating that reference librarians have a distinct and important role in the development, management, dissemination, and sustainability of institutional repositories. Design/methodology/approach - Suggests working with faculty and students to encourage them to share their research and instructional products, and to contribute to the extension of their discipline's knowledge base in new and meaningful ways. Findings - Notes that reference librarians are natural partners to be involved with institutional repositories because of their service orientation, subject experience as knowledge managers, and communication skills. Originality/value - Makes important recommendations about the role of the reference librarian in contributing to the success of institutional repositories.