Shared questions include how the specialization obtained in pursuit of a history PhD translates into library work, how library work generates opportunities for new research and methodologies at the intersections of history and librarianship, and how historian-librarians contribute to curation and materials preservation in ways that leverage the expertise of both fields. Panelists also will discuss how their training in specific regional histories (Latin America and United States) translates into their specialist positions as librarians.

The roundtable will address how the contracture of the academic job market in history and related fields during the 2010s has shaped the profession of librarianship across more than a decade. Did research in specific regions, for example in Latin America and the United States, translate to librarianship in different ways? How did the wave of discussions, new professional development training, and mentorship around “Alt-Ac” paths work (or fall short) in preparing historians for careers in fields like librarianship? It will examine areas where professional organizations might better leverage the expertise and impact of librarians and others working in academic jobs beyond faculty positions.

Likewise, the roundtable will consider the limits of librarianship for graduate students and recent graduates in history, especially given the contraction of university budgets, limits on hiring, and the challenges in translating the skills obtained through doctoral research to those required in librarianship. It will consider how professional opportunities facilitated transitions between training as a historian and careers in professional librarianship as well as how historian-librarians participate in the professional development and mentorship of current and recent graduate students.

The roundtable chair and panelists represent five approaches to combining training as a historian with professional librarianship. Three participants work as librarians and curators at large public universities, and two at Iarge private universities. All five participants have PhDs in history; three also hold an MLIS degree, and two do not. Three are specialists in Latin American history (two Mexico and one Argentina), and two are specialists in United States history.

Through facilitating a discussion around the intersections of history and librarianship, the roundtable looks to generate new ideas for collaboration between historians and librarians around curation, collection development, and other kinds of research. Participants also hope to contribute to conversations around mentorship for current and recent graduate students. The roundtable chair and panelists invite participation and engagement from the audience in ways that extend beyond the specific experiences and expertise of the participants.