Making the science-library connection: A survey of sci-tech librarians

Previous studies have investigated the movement of scientists and library school students into science librarianship (Hackenberg and Chu 2002; Hallmark and Lembo 2003). This survey explores the hypothesis that an individuals' decision to choose science and technology (sci-tech) librarianship as a career is often triggered specifically by an exposure to science libraries or scientific research, and that this exposure often happens relatively late in a student's educational or career trajectory. Identifying specifically what specific experiences or factors were highly influential in attracting practicing librarians to the profession will enable recruiters to focus their efforts on appropriate points along career paths, and help to inform the design of recruiting media that presents an accurate and positive depiction of the profession. The discussion addresses the role of librarians as recruiters for the profession, and includes suggestions for reaching individuals who are not aware of sci-tech librarianship as a rewarding and challenging career option. The study collected in-depth data about the education, work, and personal histories of practicing sci-tech librarians, and included questions that yielded some interesting impressions about the importance of a science background to sci-tech librarianship, and characteristics of science librarian job requirements and candidate qualifications.