Definition. Special librarians are information resource experts dedicated to putting knowledge to work to attain the goals of their organizations. They are employed most frequently by corporations, private businesses, government agencies, museums, colleges, hospitals, associations and information management consulting firms.

Functions Performed. Today's special librarians do far more than locate and collect data. Using the Internet and other current technology, they also evaluate, analyze, organize, package, and present information in a way that maximizes its usefulness. A few examples of the diverse services that special librarians may perform include:

• Preparing research reports in response to staff requests for specific information;
• Gathering competitive intelligence;
• Identifying research done at other organizations to avoid unnecessary duplication;
• Verifying facts for external and internal reports and publications;
• Creating databases for organizations to access their internal information;
• Searching patents and trademarks;
• Evaluating and comparing information software and sources of data prior to purchase; and
• Training other staff to efficiently and cost-effectively use online databases.

In the information age, special librarians are essential - they provide the information edge for the knowledge-based organization by responding with a sense of urgency to critical information needs. In order to fulfill this key role, special librarians require two main types of competencies:

• Professional Competencies relate to the special librarian's knowledge in the areas of information resources, information access, technology, management and research, and the ability to use these areas of knowledge as a basis for providing library and information services.

• Personal Competencies represent a set of skills, attitudes and values that enable librarians to work efficiently; be good communicators; focus on continuing learning throughout their careers; demonstrate the value-added nature of their contributions; and survive in the new world of work.

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) has produced Competencies for Special Librarians of the 21st Century" available on the SLA web site at http://www.sla.org/professional/competency.html. This document should be examined for anyone interested in work as a special librarian. It should serve as a guide to selection of courses, projects, fieldwork sites, and other opportunities to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities.

Course Selection. The following course selection guidelines are for advisement purposes. Particular interests and backgrounds of an individual may suggest modifications. These guidelines should provide a starting point however.

Core Requirements. At the present time, most students seeking a career in special librarianship choose the MSLS degree track. It is the best choice for those interesting in work in a university, public service agency, or association. Students more interested in work in a corporate environment have a choice as to whether the MSIS or the MSLS degree is the best choice. Whether you choose the IS or the LS degree there are certain courses in each core that should be requirements for you. These include:

• INLS 111: Information Resources and Services
• INLS 131: Management of Information Agencies
• INLS 162: Systems Analysis
• INLS 180: Communication Processes
• INLS 201: Research Methods

Also required is a proficiency in use of the computer for word processing, email, spread sheet and database construction and use. This requirement can be satisfied by proficiency exam or by completing, without credit towards the degree, INLS 50: Introduction to Computing for Information Use.

Additional recommended courses are as follows:

• INLS 150: Organization of Information
• INLS 165: Records Management
• INLS 181: Internet Applications
• INLS 203: Information Systems Effectiveness
• INLS 211: Information Resources and Services
• INLS 213: User Perspectives in Information Systems and Services
• INLS 227: Business Information
• INLS 237: Marketing of Information Services
• INLS 247: Special Libraries and Knowledge Management
• INLS 256: Database Systems I
• INLS 257 User Interface Design
• INLS 265: Abstracting and Indexing

A specialized course in Science Information (INLS 222) or Health Sciences (INLS 225) or Law Librarianship (INLS 229) will be important based on the context of interest. A fieldwork experience carefully selected for maximum learning potential in an organization most similar to the kind of organization where you wish to work is essential (INLS 299). Other specialized courses offered as INLS 210 (Special Topics) should also be examined for possible relevance.

You will not be able to take all the recommended courses but please consider them and discuss with your advisor, with your peers, or with special librarians or information managers whom you know.

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Revised 9/25/99