Member interview: Robert Tomaszewski

SLA Europe DigiComms

Robert Tomaszewski, chemist turned librarian, recently moved from Canada to the UK. Robert tells us about what inspired him to change his career, how being an SLA member benefits him as an academic science librarian, and what excites him most about the information profession today.

Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you first become involved in the information profession?

My interests are in science and information. I earned a first class honours in Chemistry from Kingston University (UK), a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Utah (USA), and a postdoc from University of Waterloo (Canada). While working on postdoctoral research in polymer chemistry in 1998, I had to synthesize a series of novel aromatic azides (explosive materials). This procedure had a history of blowing off the fingers of other laboratory workers. Rather than making these explosive compounds without a known procedure, I decided to visit the library. First, I searched the print Chemical Abstracts (CA), but later discovered the SciFinder Scholar database which provided access to CA with the click of a mouse. I was so impressed with this new research tool that I shared it with my colleagues. I immediately became the laboratory librarian. Discovery of my talent for working with scientific information inspired me to earn a degree in library science from the University of Toronto.

Can you give some examples of where you have worked, and in what sorts of roles?

Following the completion of my MISt in library science, I became Head of the Chemistry Library at the University of Toronto. Although I worked with a small team of assistants and students, I was essentially a solo librarian. As a solo librarian I pretty much did a little bit of everything: collection development, budgeting, inter-library loan, cataloging, library tours and teaching. I also opened and closed the library doors, added paper to the printers and worked the circulation desk. Since then, I have worked at Georgia State University and Concordia University as an academic science librarian. In these positions, I worked in a team environment with other subject specialist librarians and my activities focused on teaching, collection development, service, and research.

When did you join SLA?

I joined SLA in 2007. I wanted to present my research findings about a new method of outreach to chemistry students. My concept of in-laboratory research assistance developed when I started bringing a laptop into a Chemistry class at Georgia State University. The Special Libraries Association annual conference was an opportunity to discuss and share my research on a national level. The Special Libraries Association is one of the few professional associations that include a track for science librarianship.

Robert TomaszewskiWhat have been the benefits of being an SLA member for you?

For me, the best benefit of SLA membership has been the annual conference. The conference has allowed me to develop connections with other subject specialists and share ideas and new technologies and stay updated on the latest information resources. SLA also provides regional chapters that allow networking opportunities through local activities and events.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an information professional?

My advice is to try to get your name out there. Bear in mind that this profession is service-oriented and based in technology. As such, the profession is in transition. Think about how you can use and apply your interests and background in your profession. Be prepared to take what comes along even if it means starting at the bottom. Volunteering may be an option too. Some things any librarian can do include – creating job search alerts to your email account; starting a LinkedIn page and remember to update your CV; joining a professional body (SLA Europe) and attending events and talking to a recruitment agency like TFPL. Try to set a goal to do something each day to help your career, even if it is just looking at jobsites or sending an email to a colleague.

What excites you most about the profession today?

The continuing evolution of Mobile Technology has fascinated me. Nowadays, there are so many things that you can do with your mobile phone. The question is what will it be able to do next? I will not be surprised to see the first reference librarian hologram literally emerging from your iPhone to answer research questions.

What ongoing professional concerns or needs do you have?

I feel it is important that academic libraries should not fear, but rather value and appreciate the need for qualified librarians, especially in subject-specific disciplines. One concern is that online virtual interactions are becoming a substitute for human, face-to-face interactions. It’s a bit like the print book being replaced by the e-book. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this trend.

What are your plans and predictions for the coming year?

It’s been some 20 years since I lived in the UK. I plan on settling down near family in a position where I am happy. As for my predictions – the millionaire lottery winner will have lucky numbers 4 22 25 26 33 40. Bonus prediction: I plan to be that winner.

About the author

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1 thought on “Member interview: Robert Tomaszewski”

  1. Robert is an inspiration to the industry!…..with a positive attitude and a brillaint sense of humour. Robert made a valid point regarding modern technology and should take up the idea of a librarian hologram on smart phones! I would love to read more on Roberts veiws on the profession.

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