Research Article: The Trending Academic Library Job Market: An Analysis of Library Position Announcements From 2011 with Comparisons to 1996 and 1988

The following article (preprint) is schedule for publication in the September 2015 issue of College & Research Libraries (C&RL). It was approved for publication on September 17, 2014.

Title

The Trending Academic Library Job Market: An Analysis of Library Position Announcements From 2011 with Comparisons to 1996 and 1988

Authors

Therese F. Triumph
Rutgers University
Penny M. Beile, Ph.D.
University of Central Florida

Source

C&RL Website

Abstract

The primary objective of the study was to describe the number, types and titles, requested qualifications and skills, salary information, and locations of positions advertised in 2011 on the ALA JobLIST and ARL Job Announcements web sites and in the print version of the Chronicle of Higher Education for purposes of determining the current state of the academic library job market in the United States. To investigate changes in the academic library job market and identify emerging trends over a 23-year period results also were compared to studies that analyzed position announcements from 1996 and 1988. Content analysis of 957 unique academic library job advertisements revealed relative stasis in the market regarding the number of positions advertised, presence of administrative duties, geographic distribution of positions, and, to some extent, educational requirements. However, other comparisons were more dynamic. Specifically, there has been a decline in foreign language skills and prior work experience requirements over time while the request for computer skills are increasingly sought. Perhaps most striking is the proliferation of new position titles that have emerged over time, which serves as an indication that library positions are becoming increasingly specialized.

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Filed under: Academic Libraries, Associations and Organizations, Libraries