Transitions to Academic Libraries for Business Librarians and Librarians' Response to Adjunct Teaching

Abstract

This article weaves together two areas of focus regarding business librarians and those who practice business librarianship at least 20% of the time. Based on survey data of 97 U.S. librarians, the article explores the job transition experience among librarians who move into academic business librarianship, examining their preparation, attitudes toward public service, characterization of patron relations, and perceptions of the differences between their former and present work environments. The same set of librarians was surveyed for their attitudes toward adjunct teaching and for information about their library school preparation for business librarianship. The survey data helped to draw several conclusions. Although work environments can vary greatly, transitioning between different types of libraries is not as difficult as may be perceived. Many business librarians feel underprepared for business librarianship, requiring on-the-job training or extensive self-teaching. Other conclusions involve library school curriculum. Library school programs need to realize the importance of including business curriculum and to improve existing business sources and services curriculum. More business librarian practitioners need to consider adjunct teaching to improve the situation.

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