What might motivate someone with a natural science degree to forgo the lab and pursue a non-traditional career in librarianship? Are there differences between LIS graduates with and without a science degree that might impact recruitment strategies? An analysis of data from a longitudinal career study, "Workforce Issues in Library and…

Discusses the role of librarians in university and research libraries, noting basic personal qualifications (problem-solving and managerial abilities, undergraduate preparation), and basic assumptions that must underlie planning for library education programs to produce professionals prepared to cope with the real world. (EJS)

Some of the professional impressions gained from a month in the United States by a British librarian are summarized in this report. Six library school libraries and the Library of the American Library Association were visited. The greater emphasis on bibliographic and reference material allows students in the United States more frequent access to…

Presents results of survey assessing the opinions of 76 Association of Research Libraries library directors concerning 19 educational competencies for research librarians. Results are analyzed regarding importance of competencies, their need in different positions, their possession by beginning librarians, and the adequacy of instruction in…

Describes the results of a survey of acquisitions librarians in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries that was conducted to determine the level of involvement expected from library schools in educating librarians for acquisitions work. The type of training that is needed is examined, sources of acquisitions training are…

Results of questionnaire survey of research library directors concerning M.L.S. joint degree programs indicate that respondents favored joint programs with 15 percent reduced coursework; areas of interest for nonlibrary science degree are hard sciences, other professions, foreign languages; graduates have edge in placement, slightly higher…

Discusses the changing environment in which libraries and library schools exist, noting master of library science (MLS) programs; extended programs including a field experience (University of California, University of North Carolina); post-MLS internships; and the research library residency program offered by the University of Michigan Library.…

Analyzes opinions of public library directors regarding library competencies that are most important for entry-level librarians now and in future; competencies that are most important to specializations within library; number of current library school graduates adequately possessing competencies; and where competencies should be acquired.…