Responsibility and Success in Training Public-Facing Special Collections Librarians in Academic Libraries: A Survey on Formal Education Versus On-the-Job Training

Abstract

Training public-facing special collections librarians in needed competencies requires a combination of formal education, which is the responsibility of the individual, and on the-job training, which is the responsibility of employers. Core competencies for special collections librarians have been developed by professional organizations. Research has been conducted on how to educate librarians in these core competencies. No data exists on who special collections librarians think is responsible for, or successful at, imparting core competencies, the individual, the employer, or both. This article provides the results of a survey which asked special collections librarians to provide their opinions as to who is responsible for and successful at training special collections librarians. Demographic information about special collections librarians' education, rank, work experience, and entry into the profession was gathered to offer baseline information. The results can provide information for individuals on what competencies they are expected to learn through their own training; what competencies employers are expected to provide via on-the-job training and continuing education/professional development; and what competencies LIS programs are expected to provide to prepare librarians for future success.