Academic librarians are often expected to do research. But most librarians take at most one class in doing research. Therefore, academic librarians may not be prepared for researching and publishing. This dissertation asked the question: How do academic librarians develop competencies necessary for success in their initial efforts to do research? Two subquestions emerged: (SQ1) how do academic librarians experience their early research projects, and (SQ2) what personal attributes and contextual factors help academic librarians succeed in their research? This study interviewed academic librarians who had succeeded in research. Secondary interviews with peers and supervisors explored librarians' research contexts. Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was the theoretical lens for thematic analysis. This study found that the experience of being a researcher-librarian one of learning while doing, shaped by the library context. All of the CHAT-defined constructs of an Activity (i.e. Subject, Object, Tools, Rules, the Division of Labor, Community, and Outcome) demonstrated themes unique to the experience of research as a librarian. The learning is not complete with a single success in researching, so successive attempts bring in new experiences and competencies as the librarian again approaches and works through uncertainty in their researching activities. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]