Who Chooses Sci-Tech Librarianship?

Abstract

Why and how do librarians and graduate students decide to enter the field of sci-tech librarianship? A survey was created and distributed using e-mail discussion groups to answer this question. Factors relevant in this decision were solicited from both practicing sci-tech librarians and library school students. The three hundred eleven respondents included personal opinions and anecdotes in their replies. Topics discussed included the influence of a sci-tech background on job performance and professional association membership. In addition, some questions dealt with perceived expectations about sci-tech librarianship and their outcomes. Most of the respondents had come into sci-tech library positions with some type of background.