Top 10 Questions for Business and Economics Librarian Interview

1. Explain the role of a Business and Economics Librarian in supporting research and teaching within an academic institution.

• Acquire, organize, and provide access to information resources relevant to business and economics
• Provide reference and research assistance to students, faculty, and staff
• Develop and deliver instructional sessions on information literacy and research methods
• Collaborate with faculty to identify and support research needs
• Stay abreast of current trends in business and economics research and disseminate information to users

2. Describe the key databases and resources used in business and economics research.

Databases

• Business Source Complete
• EconLit
• ABI/INFORM
• JSTOR
• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses

Resources

• Books and ebooks
• Journals and articles
• Government documents
• Company reports
• Industry analysis reports

3. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in providing information services in the digital age.

Challenges

• The proliferation of information sources
• The need to evaluate and select credible sources
• The changing needs of users
• The need to keep up with new technologies
• Copyright and licensing issues

Opportunities

• Increased access to information
• New ways to deliver information services
• Collaboration and resource sharing
• The ability to personalize information services
• The opportunity to promote information literacy

4. Explain how you would develop and implement a marketing plan to promote the library’s services to the business and economics community.

• Identify target audience
• Develop marketing messages
• Select marketing channels
• Create marketing materials
• Implement marketing plan
• Evaluate marketing results

5. Describe your experience in providing reference and research assistance to business and economics students.

• Helped students identify and access relevant information resources
• Provided instruction on research methods and information literacy
• Answered questions and provided guidance on research topics
• Assisted students with literature reviews and annotated bibliographies
• Collaborated with faculty to develop research assignments

6. Discuss your knowledge of current trends in business and economics research.

• The rise of big data and data analytics
• The increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning
• The growing importance of sustainability and social responsibility
• The impact of globalization on business and economics
• The changing nature of work and the workforce

7. Explain how you would stay up-to-date on new developments in business and economics research.

• Read industry publications
• Attend conferences and webinars
• Network with other librarians and researchers
• Take continuing education courses
• Use social media to follow thought leaders

8. Describe your experience in developing and delivering instructional sessions on information literacy and research methods.

• Developed and delivered instructional sessions on a variety of topics, including:
• Database searching
• Literature reviews
• Annotated bibliographies
• Research ethics
• Plagiarism avoidance
• Tailored sessions to the needs of specific audiences
• Used a variety of teaching methods, including lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities
• Evaluated the effectiveness of instructional sessions

9. Discuss your experience in collaborating with faculty to identify and support research needs.

• Met with faculty to discuss their research interests and needs
• Developed customized research guides and tutorials
• Provided training on new resources and research tools
• Assisted faculty with grant proposals and literature reviews
• Collaborated on research projects

10. Describe your experience in managing a library collection.

• Developed and implemented collection development policies
• Selected and acquired new materials
• Managed the library’s budget
• Evaluated the collection and made recommendations for weeding
• Collaborated with other librarians on collection development initiatives

A Business and Economics Librarian plays a crucial role in supporting the research and informational needs of students, faculty, and researchers in the fields of business, economics, and related disciplines. Their key responsibilities typically include:

1. Collection Development and Management

Develop and manage a comprehensive collection of print and electronic resources in business, economics, and related fields.

• Identify, evaluate, and acquire new materials to meet the changing needs of users.
• Maintain and weed the collection, ensuring its relevance and accessibility.

2. Reference and Research Assistance

Provide in-depth reference and research assistance to users in the areas of business, economics, and related disciplines.

• Answer reference questions related to business and economic research.
• Conduct literature searches, compile bibliographies, and provide guidance on research methods.

3. Instruction and Training

Develop and deliver instruction sessions and training programs on the use of library resources, research methods, and information literacy skills.

• Instruct students, faculty, and researchers on how to access and utilize business and economic databases, journals, and other resources.
• Conduct workshops and seminars on research techniques and effective information-gathering strategies.

4. Liaison and Outreach

Serve as the liaison to academic departments and business organizations, fostering relationships and promoting library services.

• Collaborate with faculty to identify research and teaching needs and develop tailored library services.
• Reach out to businesses and industry leaders to establish partnerships and provide research support.

To ace the interview for the Business and Economics Librarian position, candidates should consider the following tips and preparation strategies:

1. Research the Library and Organization

Familiarize yourself with the library’s website, mission, and strategic plan. Research the organization’s history, current initiatives, and future goals.

• This demonstrates your interest in the specific role and organization and shows that you have taken the time to learn about their operations.
• Example: “I was impressed to learn about the library’s recent acquisition of a rare economics periodical collection.”

2. Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills

Emphasize your experience and skills in the areas of business, economics, and library science. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

• Use specific examples to showcase your abilities in collection development, reference assistance, instruction, and outreach.
• Example: “In my previous role, I developed a collection of over 500 new business and economics titles, resulting in a 15% increase in user satisfaction.”

3. Showcase Your Knowledge of Business and Economics Resources

Demonstrate your knowledge of business and economics databases, journals, and other scholarly resources. Mention any specialized knowledge or expertise you possess.

• This shows the interviewer that you are well-equipped to assist users with their research needs.
• Example: “I am proficient in using databases such as LexisNexis, Factiva, and JSTOR, which are essential for business and economic research.”

4. Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions

Be prepared to answer behavioral interview questions that focus on your past performance and problem-solving abilities.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide detailed and specific examples of your work experience.
• Example: “Situation: I encountered a complex reference question from a faculty member who was struggling to find relevant research. Task: I used my knowledge of business databases and research methods to conduct a comprehensive literature search. Action: I identified several key articles and presented them to the faculty member, along with a brief summary of my findings. Result: The faculty member was highly satisfied with my assistance and used my findings to publish a paper in a top academic journal.”

5. Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the position and the organization.

• Ask questions about the library’s future plans, current research trends in business and economics, or any other topics that align with your interests and qualifications.
• Example: “I am particularly interested in the library’s plans to develop a digital repository for business and economics research. Can you elaborate on the vision and timeline for this project?”