This study broadly examines factors impacting work-life experiences of library faculty of color within the framework of tenure policies and processes. An online survey was sent out to academic librarians of color to gauge perceptions of tenure and promotion policies and processes, professional activities and productivity, organizational climate and culture, and job satisfaction and retention. Results of the survey showed mixed findings regarding the impact of race on the tenure and promotion process. Findings can be used to inform future discussions of recruitment and retention for academic librarians of color and to improve the overall tenure experience.
The issue of integrating both theory and practice into the graduate cataloging curriculum has been widely recognized as a longstanding obstacle for educators and practitioners alike. One way students can gain practical cataloging experience is through a practicum. In order to gauge cataloger attitudes about practica, an online survey was distributed to entry-level catalogers with less than ten years of experience and who were currently employed at an Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institution. Although the experiences ranged widely, the majority of respondents felt the practicum was a valuable experience that should be formally required within the library science curriculum.
Library and information science (LIS) literature about workplace bullying and burnout in academic libraries continues to grow, and a recent study has revealed the experience of low morale in the same environment. Concomitantly, research focusing on continuing recruitment, promotion, advancement, and retention problems for ethnic and minority librarians; links between North American library values and workplace abuse; and historiographies on the historic marginalization of minority librarians has also appeared in LIS literature. Citing aforementioned developments in LIS literature and the racially homogenous participant make-up of Kendrick's 2017 study of low morale in academic libraries, this follow-up qualitative study focuses on racial and ethnic minority academic librarians to understand this group's experience of low morale. Emerging data validate the development, trajectory, and health-related consequences of low morale; center the load of additional impact factors; and highlight the impact of low morale on recruitment and retention efforts of racial and ethnic minority librarians employed in North American colleges and universities.
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