Adwoa Boateng  EdD, MLS, MS
Science, Health Sciences and Technology 
Research and Instruction Librarian 
COS/CHST Informationist/Liaison 
RIT Libraries 

Editor’s note: This month, we are celebrating Adwoa Boateng, who has served as a Librarian Selector for Doody’s Core Titles since 2023. 

Where do you currently work and what is your position? 

I am the librarian for the College of Science and College of Health Sciences and Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). As the medical and health sciences librarian, I support the physician assistant, sonography, ultrasound, sports exercise, nutrition, biomedical sciences, global public health, behavioral health, health systems management, medical illustration, and pre-med programs. As the science librarian I support the mathematics, statistics, astro/physics, chemistry, life sciences, color science, and imaging science programs.  

Provide a brief description of your library and its services 

RIT Libraries include the Wallace library, the Cary Graphic Arts Collection, and RIT Archives. 2019 was the fiftieth anniversary of Wallace Library. Its vision and mission is to advance knowledge, spark creativity, and connect communities. The Wallace Library Collections consist of over 700,000 books, over 98,000 electronic journal subscriptions, and 230+ databases. RIT Libraries develops its collections and services in support of teaching, scholarship. and research activities for 11 colleges at RIT. 

When did you start in health sciences librarianship? What was your position? With what institution?

For seven years, I was the medical/health sciences library manager for the Bausch & Lomb Research Library. At that time, the Brandon/Hill selected lists of books and journals was one of my guides for developing the small library’s vision science and pharmaceutical collection.   

Name two of the most important issues facing the profession today. 

Communication and finance are the top issues for librarians and libraries. Ongoing issues for libraries include flat budgets or shrinking budgets for expensive library resources while trying to highlight the return on investment (ROI) proof to the higher-level administration.  

What is one innovation, product, or service in your library that you’re excited about? 

The latest excitement in libraries involves artificial intelligence (AI). Whether it is AI or a print resource, it will still need to be peer reviewed. I am more curious than excited about AI-related products being used by faculty, students, and librarians. I have been attending AI-related webinars and conducting critical thinking discussions with students in class. As the quality, accuracy, and transparency of AI tools improve, medical libraries that conduct systematic review services will be impacted, but to what extent is unknown. Some libraries will thrive and improve their purpose using AI while others may not. 

Why do you serve as a Doody’s Core Titles Librarian Selector? 

I have been curious about the publishing industry and the review process of medical and health resources. What began as a curiosity turned into an opportunity to work with others to provide feedback and to recommend other library resources for review. Serving as a Librarian Selector provides an opportunity to contribute and to network with others. 

Anything else you’d like to share? 

At RIT, I recently received a Friend of the College award for creating a strong partnership with the RIT College of Science. This is a new type of award being issued by the science college, which is proof of how the role and perception of librarians continues to evolve. As I was quoted in “Libraries Are the Great Equalizers”, an article by The Chronicles of Higher Education, engaging within diverse communities while using new technologies will help facilitate better perceptions of the diverse role of librarians.