Exploring U.S. Census Data

The US Census provides us with demographic and economic data, but did you know you can also access infographics, working papers, maps, and more from the Census website

Ask! Your Library at the HUB: Penn State Libraries’ Experiences Providing Reference Services at the Campus Student Union Building

The Web 2.0 generation presents many service challenges to libraries. College students of today have work styles that emphasize collaboration, preference for flexible and comfortable spaces, and independent discovery of information. Given that challenge, it is important for libraries to experiment with new and unique models of service. Librarians and Staff at the Penn State University Libraries explored offering library service at the main campus’s student union building during two trials, during the Spring and Fall semesters of 2006

Pathways to Becoming an Academic Subject Specialist: Insights from Three Librarians

Subject librarianship has been a research topic for many years, however there is limited professional literature providing professional advice and practical examples of pursuing this area of librarianship. This article examines pathways to becoming a subject librarian, particularly in an academic setting. Using case studies from three subject librarians with different backgrounds as examples, the article finds common themes and best practices for both obtaining these types of positions and achieving success as a subject librarian. The role of education, professional development and networks, and leveraging experience are discussed as means for librarians to move from working in a broad role as a generalist to transition into a subject specialist. This article approaches the subject from a practical, “getting the job”, professional development perspective, aimed at librarians who are interested in making a career transition