Insights from Brazil

Featured Librarian: Eliezer Lírio Santos Footnote *

Institutional Role and Setting

I am a librarian and currently serve as General Coordinator of the nine university libraries at the Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (hereinafter “UPM”) in São Paulo, Brazil. Linked to the University Rectory, these libraries, across three campuses, provide informational support for all courses offered by the university and are organized according to the major areas of knowledge: engineering, computer science, and information technology; languages, linguistics, and literature; economics, administration, and accounting; health sciences and medicine; and architecture, design, and communication. The theology and law libraries are the only ones that work exclusively in their respective areas.

Among these units, the law library stands out both for its infrastructure and the volume of services it provides. With 632 square meters of physical area and a collection of over 72,200 copies, the unit also has specialized databases and e-book platforms focused on the legal field. In 2024, the law library was the busiest at UPM, registering 47,567 visits and 14,482 book loans. Its audience is composed of undergraduate and postgraduate students (master’s and doctoral), as well as university professors and, to a lesser extent, members of the external community.

Personal Background and Librarianship Journey

To work as a librarian in Brazil, it is mandatory to have a higher education degree in library science, which lasts an average of three to four years, depending on the educational institution. In Brazil, there is no specific training focused exclusively on law librarianship. After graduation, it is mandatory to register with the Conselho Regional de Biblioteconomia (Regional Council of Librarianship, hereinafter “CRB”) in your region, as determined by Law No. 4,084 of 1962.Footnote ¹ Only with this registration can a person legally work as a librarian.

Training in a specialized area is typically obtained through daily practice or through continuing education activities such as courses and events. At UPM, librarians are encouraged to take part in professional development events such as lectures, conferences, and symposia. In addition, librarians are encouraged to expand their knowledge through recommendations of specialized literature provided by course professors, thus strengthening the alignment between their practices and academic demands.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in a four-year program that offered comprehensive training. During the course, I acquired knowledge ranging from information and collection management to the application of technologies, which prepared me to meet the profession’s contemporary demands. After completing the course, I obtained registration with the CRB in my region, which qualified me to work as a librarian.

The view of the role of librarians in Brazil has undergone significant transformation over the years, reflecting changes in social, technological, and professional contexts. Librarians are currently seen as versatile and initiative-taking professionals who play a crucial role in promoting education, culture, and technological innovation. Although it still faces structural challenges, the profession has continuously adapted to the demands of contemporary society, demonstrating a consistent movement towards valuing and recognizing its importance in constructing knowledge and strengthening citizenship.

Local Legal System

The volume of legal information produced in Brazil is vast and complex. Every day, the National Congress, state and district legislative assemblies, and the municipal chambers of the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities draft laws and normative acts of various natures. At the same time, the country’s courts generate an immense body of case law from state and federal courts of second instance to the higher courts. Added to this is the vast academic and professional production in the legal field, materialized in books, scientific articles, theses, and doctrinal opinions.

Amidst the vast volume of legal information available today, the role of the law librarian is fundamental. The law librarian’s mission goes beyond simple organization: it consists of systematizing, managing, and making legal knowledge available in a structured and accessible manner. In this way, law librarians facilitate the quick and efficient retrieval of information, meeting the demands of academics and legal practitioners, such as lawyers, judges, and prosecutors, in addition to helping ordinary citizens access and understand legal content. Thus, the law librarian serves as an essential mediator, promoting the democratization of legal knowledge and strengthening access to information as a pillar of a more just and informed society.

Challenges

Librarians have always been recognized as guardians of knowledge and promoters of reading. However, digital transformation and contemporary social changes pose new challenges requiring constant adaptation and innovation; as such, librarians must continually update their skills. Librarians must be able to master new tools and platforms to manage digital collections, electronic lending services, and digital databases. Given the abundance of information available on the internet, the challenge of highlighting the value of libraries as reliable sources and curators of information stands out. Convincing users to prioritize library services over unverified sources is a crucial mission.

In addition, users have increasingly elevated expectations regarding the services offered by libraries. Patrons seek interactive, personalized, and efficient experiences, which require librarians to act more dynamically and in line with new demands. With the increasing use of technologies, issues of privacy and information security also gain relevance, requiring librarians to know about best practices for protecting sensitive data.

At UPM, one of the main challenges librarians face is to understand and meet, with excellence, the specific demands of each field of knowledge. This requires dedication, active listening, and a personalized approach to meeting the needs of a heterogeneous and demanding public. In the context of the UPM Law Library, this challenge is even greater. With a prestigious faculty and thousands of students, it is essential to offer an agile, efficient service that is deeply aligned with the particularities of the legal field. Answering questions, guiding research, and providing accurate information are actions that demand technical knowledge, sensitivity, and commitment.

In this scenario, it is essential that librarians act in a flexible, creative, and initiative-taking manner. More than just information managers, librarians must position themselves as agents of transformation, capable of valuing the strategic role of libraries in the academic environment, especially in times of digital transition. Librarians’ leading role is decisive in strengthening the culture of knowledge, promoting user autonomy, and reaffirming the relevance of libraries in the present and future of education. The constant evolution of social demands requires that librarians be in a permanent process of training and updating. Skills such as advanced research, information literacy, and technological know-how have become indispensable to meet the expectations of contemporary users.

With the digital revolution, numerous tools have emerged that have profoundly transformed the way knowledge is accessed, shared, and managed. To ensure excellent service, librarians need to be familiar with library management software, e-book platforms, and online research resources. This technological adaptation not only improves the quality of the services provided but also ensures the relevance of libraries in the current digital scenario. One of the biggest challenges faced by libraries is managing the acquisition of materials—both digital and print—within institutions’ often-restricted budgets. To deal with this reality, librarians conduct periodic assessments of the needs of the community and users, collecting feedback that guides purchasing decisions. The focus is on acquiring content that brings greater impact and benefits to the academic community, even if this means giving up less-demanded materials.

Strategies such as participating in consortia and inter-institutional partnerships have proven effective. These collaborations allow for the sharing of resources and the division of costs, such as the joint purchase of database subscriptions or the exchange of collections. The adoption of open educational resources (open access) also stands out as a smart solution: free books, articles, and other content can significantly enrich the collection without generating additional costs.

Creating a clear and well-defined collection development policy is essential to guide acquisition decisions, ensuring alignment with the institutional mission and the real needs of users. At UPM, we are increasingly prioritizing digital formats in our acquisitions, mainly because they have an average cost that is 30% lower than print formats. We look for titles that not only meet academic and informational demands but also offer complementary resources, such as straightforward accessibility, translations, and easy navigation, ensuring inclusion and usability for all user profiles.

In addition, we hold frequent meetings with suppliers to negotiate better commercial conditions. With significant effort, we seek to reduce the cost of the products and services offered, such as legal and academic databases and e-book platforms. These negotiations aim to optimize the use of the institution’s financial resources, ensuring continuous access to essential content for teaching, research, and extensionFootnote ² without compromising the quality of the digital collection available to the academic community. With these practices, librarians can maximize the use of available resources, maintaining the library as a dynamic, up-to-date space that is deeply committed to democratic access to information.

Technology and Innovation

Technology has brought about a profound and multifaceted transformation in the librarianship profession, reconfiguring not only library management methods but also how users interact and information is disseminated. Today, librarians have access to a wide range of digital resources, such as e-books, electronic journals, databases, and online repositories that enhance the reach and diversity of the offered collection. This digitization of content allows users to access information remotely at any time and from any place, promoting the greater democratization of knowledge. With the advent and consolidation of information and communication technologies, the librarian’s role has expanded beyond the traditional functions of organizing and mediating information. Librarians now also take on the role of digital educators, working to develop users’ information literacy by teaching them to search for, critically evaluate, and ethically use available digital sources and tools.

In short, the incorporation of technology into library routines has not only optimized internal processes but also introduced a new dynamic in the production, organization, and distribution of information products and services. This new scenario demands from librarians an expanded set of technical, pedagogical, and digital skills, reaffirming their importance as facilitators of knowledge in an increasingly connected, fast-paced, and complex world.

A key example of how technological innovations have impacted librarianship is online public catalogs, which make it easier to search and access resources available in the library. Tools like VuFind offer intuitive search experiences, integrating multiple media formats into a single platform. In addition, services like OverDrive and Libby provide access to e-books and audiobooks, expanding the reach of collections and providing greater convenience for users in the digital environment. Librarians are also exploring platforms like Moodle and Canvas to create online courses about information literacy, academic research, and the use of digital resources, helping users improve their search and information-analysis skills.

Data analysis tools such as Tableau and Google Analytics have also impacted librarianship and allow libraries to better understand user habits and needs, identify trends, and optimize the services they offer. In addition to these solutions, artificial intelligence (AI) is opening new possibilities for librarianship, automating processes, promoting innovative solutions, and expanding the development of libraries in different contexts. The use of AI can help recommend personalized content, improve the organization of collections, and automate services, transforming libraries into true dynamic centers of learning and innovation in the digital world.

Professional Development

In São Paulo—and in several regions of Brazil—the market for legal librarians is promising and diverse. The main opportunities are concentrated in law firms, legal departments of large companies, universities, courts, public agencies, and research centers specializing in law. In addition to the traditional functions of organizing and managing legal information, law librarians enjoy prominence for their strategic role in curating content; supporting doctrinal, jurisprudential, and legislative research; managing electronic databases; and selectively disseminating information. In environments with high demand for precision and agility in obtaining data, this profession becomes even more essential.

With the continued growth of the legal market and the intensification of the digitalization of processes and collections, the demand for specialized librarians will continue to grow, especially in large urban centers such as São Paulo, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Porto Alegre. Vacancies in this field are available on and at specialized platforms and channels, such as LinkedIn, recruitment websites, law firm portals, professional associations, events in the area, career fairs, legal networking and specialized group meetings, and other fora. Training in such areas as law, legal information science, AI as applied to law, legal indexing, and the mastery of national and international legal databases (such as LexisNexis, JusBrasil, and ProView, among others), represents an important competitive advantage for librarians who wish to stand out in this field.

To act ethically, efficiently, and in line with best professional practices, it is essential to continually monitor regulatory changes as well as theoretical and technical advances in the field. Keeping up to date with legislative changes, both nationally and internationally, is therefore essential to achieve excellence in the services provided.

At UPM, academic demands are mostly focused on topics of national relevance. International issues, although less frequent, are also covered whenever necessary. In these cases, we turn to specialized sources recognized for their credibility and excellence in knowledge creation, such as the following:

• • American Library Association (ALA) (www.ala.org);

• • American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) (https://www.aallnet.org); and

• • European Legislation Committee (http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/eurohome.htm).

These resources allow us to monitor trends, legislative updates, and good practices adopted in international contexts, ensuring that our activities are aligned with the highest standards of quality and relevance.

Legal Research and Resources

The Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT) is the Brazilian forum for national technical standards as confirmed by the federal government. Brazilian law students adopt strict ABNT standards in a very conservative manner, which contrasts with the flexibility observed in other courses. This particularity requires law librarians to deepen their knowledge and specialize in technical standards to offer qualified service to this audience.

Both professors and students frequently turn to the library for help locating scientific articles. To meet these demands, we use specialized databases, including subscribed electronic journals and the CAPES Journal Portal. To encourage researcher autonomy, the library provides access training along with remote access to resources and services. The library subscribes to two databases specific to the legal sector in addition to databases found on the CAPES Portal. Both are widely used by students and professors as described below:

• • RT—Revista dos Tribunais online—an online legal database with current and historical collections of periodicals from Editora Revista dos Tribunais with interrelated content covering doctrine, legislation, and precedents. The doctrinal base is composed of scientific legal articles published in specialized journals in the primary areas of law.

• • ProView Digital Library—an e-book platform that offers access to more than 2,000 legal titles from Revista dos Tribunais. It provides editorial content created to assist students and legal professionals. Professors, undergraduates, postgraduates, and professionals have access to core resources, such as annotated codes, manuals, monographs, courses, scientific content, special collections, and doctrine from the most renowned authors of Revista dos Tribunais.

• • CAPES Portal—contains the following databases specific to the legal sector: vLex, BDJur, LEXml, GlobaLex, CONPEDI, and RVBI.

We have two particularly important legal resources:

• • Biblioteca Digital Jurídica (BDJur): a repository maintained by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) the BDJur provides access to various legal content available in the following collections: Administrative Acts, Knowledge Bank, Doctrine, and the Institutional Repository. https://bdjur.stj.jus.br/jspui/.

• • Catálogo de Biblioteca: The UMP collection is registered in the Virtual Network of Libraries RVBI bibliographic database. Coordinated with the Biblioteca do Senado Federal (Federal Senate Library) and other libraries, the RVBI database provides access to over one million bibliographic records for legal doctrine and other areas of the humanities and social sciences.

Cultural Insights

By developing cultural skills, librarians become essential mediators in situations of conflict or misunderstandings between users of diverse backgrounds, thus resolving challenges more effectively and empathetically. Librarians can establish partnerships with schools and educational institutions to promote multicultural education, providing resources and support for curricula that address diversity and inclusion. Knowledge of local cultures strengthens ties with the community, facilitating the building of solid relationships with users and organizations. This paves the way for strategic collaborations and consolidates the library as a true community center.

Cultural understanding is therefore essential for librarians to perform their role with excellence, thus making the library a more inclusive and accessible environment for all members of the academic community. Furthermore, by recognizing the library as a space for cultural and informational appropriation, librarians reinvent themselves, ceasing to be merely technical professionals and adopting a more humanistic and dynamic approach. In this new perspective, the library actively interacts with researchers, offering training, providing informational support, and organizing cultural activities. The new approach rethinks the structure and design of the physical space, transforming the library into a modern, welcoming, and stimulating environment. In this way, the library ceases to be just a repository of information and becomes a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation.

Many university libraries are working to become more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. This involves everything from physical adaptations—such as ramps, elevators, and Braille signage—to making materials available in accessible formats, such as audiobooks, Braille, or large print. In addition to promoting accessibility, these institutions have become true community centers, thus expanding their social function. They now offer spaces for meetings, cultural events, workshops, and lectures, becoming points of coexistence, dialogue, and integration with the community. As a result, they are no longer just places to borrow books but are taking on an active role in the cultural and educational life of society, contributing to a greater recognition of the value of these institutions.

Libraries also play an essential role in preserving Brazil’s cultural and historical memory. They hold rare collections, historical documents, and works that are fundamental to the construction of the country’s cultural identity. In a time marked by the spread of fake news and misinformation, libraries have gained prominence as spaces for promoting media literacy and the development of critical readers. Through educational activities, librarians teach how to evaluate sources, identify reliable information, and understand the role of the media in contemporary society. University and public libraries are increasingly integrated into the educational process. Librarians at these institutions offer support to students and researchers, including access to academic databases, guidance on research methodologies, workshops, and specialized training.

Despite all these advances, Brazil still faces a major challenge: the population’s low literacy rate. Compared to countries such as the US, several European nations, and even some Latin American countries, Brazil has a worryingly low rate. The low literacy rate directly affects the use of libraries and the various resources offered. In many cases, the internet is seen as the most practical and fastest source of information, which ends up driving some users away from traditional libraries. Still, the libraries’ efforts to reinvent themselves demonstrate their relevance and ability to adapt to the demands of contemporary society, thus consolidating their role as transformative agents in education, culture, and citizenship.

Future Outlook

Librarianship evolves with changes in society, but it still involves organizing books in libraries and document archives. Digital documents are becoming increasingly popular, and librarians work to organize, store, and make these materials available online. In the legal field, organizing digitized versions of printed documents in the virtual environment is becoming increasingly important.

The librarian’s role has undergone significant evolution, requiring new skills and approaches to ensure that libraries continue to be relevant and innovative spaces. To strengthen this transformation, some improvements can be implemented, benefiting both the profession and the functioning of libraries:

• • Investment in Continuous Training. Professional development is essential to keep up with technological changes and new societal demands. Investing in courses and training on digital information management, innovative technologies, library marketing, and user services allows librarians to expand their skills and adapt to a constantly evolving scenario.

• • Fostering Multidisciplinary Collaboration. Creating environments that encourage interaction between librarians and professionals from different areas, such as educators, artists, and scientists, can result in innovative and enriching projects for the community. This exchange of knowledge increases the impact of the library as a dynamic and diverse learning center.

• • Valuing and Improving Working Conditions. Recognizing the importance of librarians is essential to strengthening the profession. This involves offering fairer salaries, opportunities for career growth, and greater professional recognition. The more motivated and valued librarians are, the higher the quality of services provided to the community.

• • Developing Interpersonal Skills. In addition to technical knowledge, skills such as effective communication, empathy, and teamwork are essential to improving relationships with users. A librarian who understands the needs of the public and knows how to communicate in a welcoming manner makes the library a more inclusive and inviting environment.

• • Strengthening Collaborative Networks. The exchange of experiences between libraries can bring significant benefits, such as sharing resources, developing joint projects, and improving management practices. Participating in collaborative networks expands the possibilities for innovation and strengthens the role of libraries in society.

• • The Library as a Space for Learning and Interaction. The traditional concept of a library, with shelves full of books, no longer represents its entirety. Today, libraries must be understood as hybrid environments, offering access to both physical and digital information. In addition, they must provide enriching experiences through events, workshops, and spaces for interaction, becoming true centers for learning and knowledge exchange.

• • Adoption of Innovative Technologies. The implementation of technological tools can optimize library services, making them more efficient and accessible. Smart cataloging systems, digital lending platforms, and data management software are examples of innovations that facilitate the work of librarians and improve the user experience.

By adopting these improvements, libraries become more attractive and aligned with contemporary needs, reaffirming their importance in society and strengthening the role of librarians as mediators of knowledge.

Advice and Insights

As mentioned earlier, it is highly recommended that a future law librarian complement their general library science training with a law degree. This combination provides a solid foundation for dealing with legal issues that are commonly present in the field, such as copyright, access to information, data privacy, and content licensing. In addition, legal knowledge enhances a librarian’s ability to work in specific areas, such as legal information management, compliance consulting, and contract analysis, making them professionally prepared to face the challenges of law librarianship and adding value to the institution where they work.

Librarians play a fundamental role that goes far beyond simply lending books. They are highly qualified professionals who act as information managers, educators, knowledge brokers, and advocates for free and ethical access to information. More than organizing collections, librarians select, catalog, and preserve diverse resources, ensuring that users have access to relevant, reliable, and plural information.Footnote ³ Librarians also teach crucial research and information literacy skills, enabling users to locate, evaluate, and use sources critically—something that is essential in the age of misinformation.

It is necessary to dispel the stereotypes that still surround the profession, such as the idea of the silent and rigid librarian, limited to controlling shelves. Rather, we are committed professionals who work directly with communities, promoting culture, inclusion, and social development. Recognizing these multiple roles is essential to valuing the importance of librarians in contemporary societies, especially in the context of university libraries, where they play a strategic role in supporting education, research, and citizenship development.

Personal Reflection

Our profession presents us with constant challenges, which not only can but must be overcome with commitment and creativity. The opportunity to mediate access to information and deliver services or products that transform and facilitate the journey of our users gives us immense satisfaction. This experience reinforces the relevance and indispensability of information professionals for the development of society.