THINKING OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY: EMPLOYMENT TRENDS OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

by Stronski, Lisa M.

This research project examines employment trends of individuals who are members of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Data were gathered using the 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 SLA membership directories. These directories reflect the membership demographics of SLA at the beginning and end of a decade. The entire population of SLA employing institutions and their subsequent employees were sorted into twenty-two different categories based on the 2003-2004 SLA Divisions.

The data were then used to determine if more job opportunities outside of traditional library settings for SLA members exist today than in past years. Although some of the literature suggests an endless increase in the amount of job opportunities for special librarians, the actual numbers show a different picture. The findings indicate an overall decline in the number of institutions employing special librarians, the total number of special librarians employed in each division, and the total number of SLA membership.