Engineers and Librarians

Based on an independent study conducted for the School of Library & Information Science at Louisiana State University in October 1993, this paper investigates the interpersonal skills aspects of communications between librarians and engineering personnel. The researcher developed and distributed 140 surveys to engineering special librarians. Survey responses were used to evaluate interaction styles and potential communication barriers, as seen by the librarian. The results appeared to indicate a definite potential for library awareness problems and communication difficulties. However, comments indicated that these problems can be overcome by a "go-getter" attitude and effort on the part of the librarian.