Competencies for Science Librarians

This book explores the expectations and resources available to develop a set of important core skills needed for this profession. Leading authorities in the field of librarianship offer their extensive experience and insight to help beginners to understand precisely what actual measurable skills are required to become a successful career science librarian. Librarians currently working in the area will gain the data they need to be able to effectively collaborate with more experienced people. Topics include reviews of key concepts, basic skills, terminology, ACRL instruction competencies, teams, and assessment of services.

It also provides the latest knowledge on trends, standards, terminology, professional associations, and a brief literature review, and recommended readings for familiarizing librarians with their job responsibilities. Besides job competencies, the book reviews collection development, reference issues, in-depth research assistance, cataloging and metadata, faculty liaison and outreach, career development concerns, continuing education tracks, and issues in collaboration assistance. This source also provides extensive references and tables and figures to clearly present information.

This book is a valuable resource for beginners who wonder what they need to know as they start their careers or are considering this as an area of concentration, and as a refresher and professional development track for current librarians working with more experienced people in the area.

This book was published as a special issue of Science & Technology Libraries.

David Stern was Director of Science Libraries and Information Services at Yale University from 1995 to 2008. He was involved in the development of end-user search systems for both local and remote hosts, including a Web-based expert systems librarian emulator. As of March 2008, David Stern is now Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources at Brown University, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, 10 Prospect Street / Box A, Providence, RI 02912.