ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

A career in BI: Dead end or stepping stone?

Choosing a career in bibliographic instruction (BI) was the topic for discussion at the January 26, Midwinter discussion forum sponsored by the Bibliographic Instruction Section’s Continuing Education Committee. Discussion starter Evan Farber, Earlham College, remarked that many of the qualities that make a good BI librarian are also qualities that make a successful library administrator. BI librarians must be in touch with issues in higher education and all aspects of the library and have political skills. He recounted the number of recent ACRL presidents that have come from the ranks of bibliographic instruction.

Karen Williams, University of Arizona, Pointed out that a successful career does not necessarily mean moving up the career ladder, and viewed BI as a useful stepping stone to a number of different career paths. Williams said that BI librarianship could be a dead end unless it is combined with other duties, such as working at the reference desk, in order to remain in touch with issues and operations in other areas of the library.

Bill Miller, Florida Atlantic University, stated that there were fewer chances for supervisory experience working in the public services and this could be a hindrance to job advancement. He also remarked that bibliographic instruction librarians have the closest ties to faculty in their roles as teachers.

Members of the audience agreed and felt that their interactions and common interests with the faculty had enhanced their standing with the university community. Comments from the audience indicated that many enjoyed their work in BI and did not see it as hindrance or a dead-end job. The hour ended with a discussion about why BI is not part of the curriculum at many library schools, or is taught by practitioners instead of library school faculty.—Jill Newby, Engineering Librarian, Laie University