Factors influencing career advancement and tenure in academic librarianship

IF 2.3 3区管理学 Q2 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE

Journal of Academic Librarianship Pub Date : 2025-07-10 DOI:10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103104

Russell Michalak, Devon Ellixson

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study examines the systemic and structural barriers that shape career advancement and tenure among academic librarians, based on descriptive analysis of survey responses from 200 professionals. It explores how gender, caregiving responsibilities, geographic mobility, and institutional structures intersect to influence professional trajectories. Quantitative data are summarized using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses reveal patterns of exclusion, including opaque promotion processes, inflexible tenure expectations, and workplace cultures that undervalue caregiving and service labor. Respondents also highlight the role of mentorship, unionization, and professional development as partial supports. Recommendations include clearer advancement criteria, flexible work policies, and inclusive leadership development. By centering the lived experiences of librarians—particularly women and caregivers—this study contributes to broader conversations on equity and sustainability in academic library careers.

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影响高校图书馆职业发展和任期的因素

本研究基于对200名专业人员的调查反馈的描述性分析，探讨了影响学术图书馆员职业发展和任期的系统性和结构性障碍。它探讨了性别、照顾责任、地理流动性和制度结构如何交叉影响职业轨迹。定量数据使用描述性统计进行总结，而定性反应揭示了排斥模式，包括不透明的晋升过程、不灵活的任期期望以及低估护理和服务劳动的工作场所文化。受访者还强调了指导、工会组织和专业发展作为部分支持的作用。建议包括更明确的晋升标准、灵活的工作政策和包容性的领导力发展。通过以图书馆员的生活经历为中心，特别是女性和护理人员，本研究有助于更广泛地讨论学术图书馆职业的公平性和可持续性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Academic Librarianship INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE-

CiteScore

5.30

自引率

15.40%

发文量

120

审稿时长

29 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Academic Librarianship, an international and refereed journal, publishes articles that focus on problems and issues germane to college and university libraries. JAL provides a forum for authors to present research findings and, where applicable, their practical applications and significance; analyze policies, practices, issues, and trends; speculate about the future of academic librarianship; present analytical bibliographic essays and philosophical treatises. JAL also brings to the attention of its readers information about hundreds of new and recently published books in library and information science, management, scholarly communication, and higher education. JAL, in addition, covers management and discipline-based software and information policy developments.