Educational preparation of entry-level professional librarians employed by Florida research libraries.

摘要

Although there are numerous studies, conferences, and journal articles devoted to the topic of library education, extensive debates remain regarding both the purpose and effectiveness of library education as a tool in helping prepare entry-level professional librarians. A major part of the debate is the question of whether, in general, library schools are meeting the demands of the job market for librarians and information specialists.; The purpose of this study was to investigate the preparation of entry-level research librarians. It will describe the relationship between formal library education and work in research libraries from the perceptions of entry-level librarians and their supervisors. The main goal of the study is to help library and information studies schools to prepare future research librarians and equip them with in-demand knowledge and skills. The results of the study would be of benefit for administrators and educators at library and information studies schools who are concerned with preparing MLIS students to work in research libraries.; In order to answer the five research questions designed for this study, two web-based surveys were used to collect data from 45 entry-level research librarians in Florida, and 18 heads of departments at the same libraries. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.; Findings of the study validated 28 required competencies for entry-level research librarians. Perceptions of research librarians indicated that schools of library and information studies in the U.S. have helped their recent graduates, who work in research libraries, in acquiring 64% of the required competencies. In addition, findings indicated that increasing internship requirements and adding more management instruction are the most important methods for library schools to consider in preparing future research librarians. Finally, the study elicited the perceptions of both groups regarding the expected required competencies for entry-level research librarians from 2005 to 2010. Recommendations for library schools regarding the educational preparation of entry-level research librarians are provided.