Science/STEM Librarianship in 2020: Opportunities and Insight. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sterner, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Science & technology libraries. Volume 39:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 432
• Page End: 449
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Science librarians–education -- surveys–science librarians -- librarians–careers -- college and university librarians–status -- recruitment and retention of science librarians; Science and technology libraries -- Periodicals; Wetenschappelijke bibliotheken; Natuurwetenschappen; Techniek; Sciences -- Bibliothèques -- Périodiques; Technologie -- Bibliothèques -- Périodiques; Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); 026.5
• DOI: 10.1080/0194262X.2020.1781023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-262X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to offer an updated snapshot of current science/STEM opportunities in 2019/2020. The insight provided by the analysis of job announcements and a survey of current science/STEM librarians can assist new and current librarians looking for a position, recruiters hiring for a position, and professors reevaluating their MLIS/MLS curriculum. This study found that most positions are for full-time, permanent positions at an academic library located in the Midwest and on the East coast. Most of the positions are for research librarians with liaison duties in medicine/health science, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, and physics. A majority of the positions requires a Master's degree in library and information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association, and about half of the positions require or prefer a background in a related science/STEM field. While there is still no strong consensus on the necessity of a subject background and the responsibilities as a whole have not greatly changed, a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is now a common requirement. This study also highlights the top required skills and responsibilities and identifies insight and advice offered by current science/STEM librarians to future science/STEM librarians.