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In 2017, the SLA Sci-Tech Division began a process of refocusing and revitalizing its approach and efforts in response to the perceived need for a strong generalist organization supporting multidisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) librarians. This article details the process of revising the division's strategic plan, explains its new direction, its initial steps to implement the plan, and its future direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2009, Kansas State University Libraries (K-State Libraries) moved from subject-based departments to user-based departments. From this change, subject matrices, including the Agriculture and Biological Science Matrix, were developed to address subject-related issues. This matrix is comprised of librarians from many K-State Libraries’ departments and is a conduit for sharing information interdepartmentally and developing collaborative opportunities. Libraries wishing to maintain a traditional subject-liaison model can adapt key principles underlying the matrix. Subject liaisons can go beyond siloed perspectives by soliciting advice from individuals outside the library. Another approach is to disturb established structures and introduce selective pressure to inspire innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of the open access and open data movement, the preservation and availability of data has multiplied exponentially. This increased distribution and sharing of data has energized numerous fields of research. In such an environment, librarians are increasingly tasked with finding actual data related to specific subjects in addition to the traditional task of locating relevant scholarly articles. This article provides a valuable resource for reference and science librarians as they meet the needs of their patrons in an increasingly data-centric world. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Physical science librarians from the U.S. and Canada participated in a survey about their educational background, experience, and professional activity. This group of information professionals can be characterized as having an extensive academic background in the sciences, as being highly experienced, and as professionally active. The large proportion of practitioners who have more than eleven years of experience in the field could signal the impending retirement of large numbers of physical science librarians in the near future. This survey of physical science librarians in the early part of the 21st century suggests that for physical science librarianship to continue to evolve and flourish, it is critical that the profession encourage research and scholarship, in addition to service, among our newest recruits and experienced colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]