What competences are needed for heritage librarians, and how can they be taught? The management of heritage collections requires a unique mix of knowledge and skills, including expertise in preservation and conservation; heritage policies; acquisitions and collection management; bibliographic description; the materiality of books and other collection objects; and the history of libraries. Librarians must also understand the need for open access, the importance of marketing, and the challenges posed by digitization.

Raphaële Mouren, ENSSIB Ecole nationale supérieure des sciences de l'information et des bibliothèques, Villeurbanne, France.