Digital initiatives have become increasingly common in academic libraries, but inconsistent definitions, standards, and expectations limit and, in some cases, negatively impact the effectiveness of practitioners. This article explores the discourse surrounding professional titles and responsibilities in digital initiatives within North American…

To document the change over time in African-American/Africana/Black Studies (AABS) librarianship in the United States, this study analyzed 71 position announcements published in physical and digital sources beginning in 1970 through 2019. Using content analysis, the author found that most AABS librarians should expect to have an MLIS and work in…

This study analyzes job advertisements to identify the contemporary development of academic reference librarianship in the United States. Results show that more job openings, higher educational backgrounds, more duties & responsibilities, and variety of titles were assigned to academic reference librarian positions from 1966 through 2009.…

Science librarianship is a rapidly changing professional specialization that requires unique skills and experiences for science librarians to perform at the highest level. A content analysis of recent job advertisements was conducted to determine the most desirable qualifications for science librarians. It was found that the most frequently cited…

Argues that if librarians are to deserve faculty status, they must comply with standards of excellence similar to those of instructional faculty. Teaching roles of librarians at Evergreen State College and St. Cloud State University are cited and similarities of roles of medical school faculty are indicated. (9 references) (EJS)

Summarizes results of a survey of 54 entry-level State University of New York librarians, including background data (position title, year of library degree), an analysis of 27 professional activities, and methods of preparation for job responsibilities--library school education, on-the-job training, self-instruction, continuing education (actual…

Describes study examining job advertisements for academic librarians published in three journals--"Library Journal,""ALA Bulletin/American Libraries," and "College and Research Libraries"--over a 20-year period. Announcements were analyzed in terms of requirements for education, experience, qualifications, and…

A study of 107 academic library position announcements (1990-94) for systems librarians analyzed position titles, responsibilities, degree requirements, required skills, reporting lines, and salaries. The study concluded that systems responsibilities change constantly, that interpersonal skills are essential, and that 38% of the examined position…

This study evaluates demand for specific competency categories in the 1996 United States academic library job market. Its purpose is to identify frequencies of requested qualifications and of job openings by United States region, to inform students and administrators of Masters of Library Science (MLS) Programs of current competency requirements…

The Internet and new information technology have created new jobs for librarians in nontraditional settings. This article examines new (corporate libraries and information centers) and redefined (academic and public libraries) "techno-jobs" in the information field. Provides a survey of market indicators and offers job hunting hints.…

Analyzes position descriptions of science engineering librarians described by college and university job advertisements in "American Libraries" and College and Research Libraries News." Results show an increase in required, preferred, desired qualifications and job responsibilities, and reflect how technology has changed the role of…