The document summarizes the results of an international survey of 280 art librarians. It found that the typical art librarian has an educational background in the arts, works in an academic setting, and chose the profession due to their passion for art and public service. While most art librarians are satisfied with their career, some expressed concern about lack of job opportunities and low compensation levels in the field.

1. The Status of the Art Librarian Workforce A survey of professional backgrounds and career choices Eamon Tewell Reference librarian Sarah Lawrence College

5. Results 4 ACRL ARTS DISCUSSION FORUM | Eamon Tewell

7. Results: Respondents by age ACRL ARTS DISCUSSION FORUM | Eamon Tewell 6 JANUARY 18, 2012 Age Frequency Percentage 18-26 6 2.1 27-35 63 22.5 36-44 61 21.8 45-53 66 23.6 54-62 69 24.6 63+ 15 5.4 Total 280 100

9. Results: CURRENT EMPLOYMENT Setting ACRL ARTS DISCUSSION FORUM | Eamon Tewell 8 JANUARY 18, 2012

14. Results: contributors to employment ACRL ARTS DISCUSSION FORUM | Eamon Tewell 13 JANUARY 18, 2012

15. CONCLUSIONS 14 ACRL ARTS DISCUSSION FORUM | Eamon Tewell

18. Further Sources ACRL ARTS DISCUSSION FORUM | Eamon Tewell 17 JANUARY 18, 2012 Esther Green Bierbaum, “Museum, Arts, and Humanities Librarians: Careers, Professional Development, and Continuing Education,” Journal of Education for Library & Information Science 29, no. 2 (Fall 1988): 127-134. Roberto C. Ferrari, “To PhD, or Not to PhD: A Question for Art Librarians,” Art Documentation 26, no. 1 (Spring 2007): 51-55. Ann B. Abid and Henry A. Pisciotta, “ARLIS/NA Salary Survey,” 1990, http://www.arlisna.org/resources/otherpubs/otherpubs_index.html Kathrin Dodds and Heather Ball, “ARLIS/NA 2004 Art/Architecture Librarians and Visual Resource Professionals Compensation Survey” http://www.arlisna.org/pubs/onlinepubs/compensation.pdf

19. Contact: Email: Eamont@gmail.com Twitter: @EamonTEWELL Questions & Comments