Background Characteristics and Education Needs of a Group of Instruction Librarians in Pennsylvania

Abstract

This paper summarizes a study conducted on a group of instruction librarians in Pennsylvania to describe their backgrounds and determine their perceptions regarding the adequacy of their preparation and their needs for additional training. The study revealed: (1) over 60 percent of the group has taken credit courses dealing with instruction; (2) the majority is trained as reference librarians and works in that area now; (3) they are professionally active and read appropriate journals; ( 4) they participate in appropriate continuing education activities; (5) they see previous teaching experience as important; and (6) they feel they are adequately prepared, but see benefit from additional education.