Specialists as Professionals in Research Libraries: An Overview of Trends and an Analysis of Job Announcements

A trend toward the creation of specialist professional positions, and particularly positions that attract professionals without a master's degree in librarianship, has resulted in new titles and new responsibilities for specialists in research institutions and libraries. These individuals are hired by the research library because they bring a specific set of skills or expertise to the job. An analysis of recent job announcements from research libraries makes apparent the variety of professional specialists being sought, the positions in which these professionals will serve, and the criteria set by the institutions for the job seekers whom they will hire