Education, Training, and Recruitment of Special Collections Librarians: An Analysis of Job Advertisements

Abstract

This study surveys special collections job advertisements that are appropriate for recent graduates of LIS programs to determine the positions’ core qualifications and duties in relationship to the relatively recent set of core competencies identified by the Rare Book and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Rather than tracing the development of the position or identifying changes and trends, the study assembles a composite image of the opportunities available to new graduates, and the qualifications and competencies in demand by employers, over a five-year period. Although this is an exploratory survey, it is hoped . . .