On the origin of a species: evolution of health sciences librarianship.

The basic role of the health sciences librarian has not significantly changed throughout history. It has been- and remains-to collect information and organize it for effective use. What has changed is the environment in which this role is carried out and the tools used to accomplish the tasks. Over the one hundred-year history of the evolution of health sciences librarianship, we have used specialty education as the mechanism for differentiating ourselves from other types of librarianship and for acquiring the knowledge and skills to succeed in our profession. Changing conditions require a continual review of our specialty education and a willingness to modify it in order to prepare ourselves for changing environments. A review of specialty education for health sciences librarianship reveals that we have always adapted to new and changing conditions and will continue to do so in the future.