[Sigsti-l] Re: Fwd: Science Librarians (fwd)

[brian.gray at santoprene.com]

I am also forwarding my message to the ASIST Science & Technical 
Information SIG discussion list. We just had this discussion at the Annual 
meeting during our planning meeting. Probably half of the people in the 
room had science backgrounds, but the other half had been "thrown into the 
fire." The ones without science backgrounds have successfully taken on 
science related positions, and really enjoy it. The STI SIG is planning a 
session at next years meeting about this topic specifically (Education of 
scientist librarian, which is more important, science or librarianship?).

I do not see an answer in the future. I have an undergraduate degree in 
Chemical Engineering, and worked at the Univ. of Akron S&T Library 
throughout my schooling. I decided I really enjoyed the information side 
of the sciences, and recently started working on my MLIS at Kent State. I 
also continued my employment with the University of Akron. In my 
introductory class of 50 people, I am the only one with a science 
background or desire to be in the sciences. I am also involved in the 
student chapter of SLA. Of the 50 or so members I have met, only one other 
person had a science background and was going to continue in the sciences 
after graduation.