The Orientation and Training of New Librarians for Business Information

Abstract

New business librarians and nonbusiness librarians serving business needs require training and orientation to the unique aspects of business librarianship. Formal training programs can be devised to raise competencies in providing core business information services. Given the pace of change, such programs must emphasize flexible and adaptable approaches to finding information, rather than reliance on specific sources. Trends in the business information environment will likely favor greater use of just-in-time training and knowledge databases.

A New Look at the Background and Work Experience of Business Librarians

“…They concluded that business librarians are "professionals working in a specialized area who are scrambling to obtain the expertise they need to function effectively in that context" (Lui & Allen, 2001, p. 562). On the other hand, Womack (2008) noted that most business librarians rely on on-the-job training to become subject specialists (p. 218). How important formal education beyond the LIS master's degree is for business librarians is not a matter of complete agreement across the profession, either.…”

“…Although business information is often compared to information in the hard sciences, it can be more volatile, and patrons often expect a higher level of interpretation and guidance (Liu & Allen, 2001, p. 555). Or, as Womack (2008) put it, "to be frank, business patrons can be somewhat pushy" (p. 222). Business librarianship is also split across academic, special, and public library environments, each with its own particular concerns.…”

Publicly Accessible Library Services to Business in the USA and Australia: A Comparison and Analysis

“…As is the case across the broader field, the nature of business librarianship in public libraries is experiencing significant change. Womack (2009) observes that with simple business reference questions easily answered by an Internet search, most inquiries are now instead the result of 'a Google search gone awry', and as such, 'their information needs are much more individualized and require lengthier efforts to solve' (p. 224).…”

Information Literacy and Office Tool Competencies: A Benchmark Study

“…The small sample size from the CBA was justified because the data from these respondents were to be used as a benchmark data set. The CBA students were selected as a benchmark because more librarians are required to help find information related to business issues and increased proliferation of business sources and data (Womack, 2008). Chung (2002) reported that business college students' perceptions regarding software productivity tool proficiencies were higher than those of students in other academic disciplines or information domains.…”