Academic Science and Engineering Librarians

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research study of the population of academic science and engineering librarians whose job it is to provide information and research assistance in science and engineering related subject areas and to develop library collections to support research and teaching in those disciplines in colleges and universities. While librarians in these specialties play a major role in instructing those who conduct research and in developing the collections needed in order to complete this research in disciplines that offer particular challenges with regard to the demands of the researchers and the nature of the scholarly record in the disciplines, very little is known about the librarians who fulfill this crucial role. The results of this national study address an important segment of the academic library population, with a particular focus on educational and professional backgrounds, demographic characteristics, and professional and scholarly activities.

Key Words:

• Academic librarians
• science
• engineering
• professional activity
• diversity