A DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF STATUS AND EMPLOYMENT VARIABILITIES IN JOB DESCRIPTIONS AMONG ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS (RANK, TENURE, LIBRARY FACULTY)

This study reviewed the historical movements and determined from a survey and analysis of published advertisements the current status and range of variability in employment of academic librarians. To accomplish this purpose, specific objectives were to investigate the employment of academic librarians with regard to rank, tenure, faculty duties, and benefits. A review of the literature concerning academic status and opportunities for librarians showed continuing changes in attitude, understanding, and acceptance of librarians as faculty members by administrators and teaching colleagues occurring into the 1980s. However, most researchers agree that the minimum standards set forth for librarians during the last 2 decades are yet to be accomplished, although significant improvements are reported.;Based on the findings of this study, it may be generally concluded that academic librarians usually hold academic rank (67.5%) and tenure, work 12 months (78.3%) annually, and are required to hold a minimum of a master's degree (72.2%). Library faculty are increasingly expected to acquire advanced degrees (26.7%), and teach, write, and publish (22.0%). Most positions require a minimum of 2 years of experience (58.6%) and are more frequently available in the areas of public service (46.5%) and technical processing (38.8%). The usual vacation period is approximately 1 month with 12 days annual sick leave. More jobs are available in the north central, southern, and middle states regions. Private institutions more frequently require additional education than public institutions, but require less teaching and writing. There are job hunting advantages when recruiting is high during June and December.;To determine from current research the status and variations in employment, a survey and analysis were made of selected data available in published advertisements in The Chronicle of Higher Education for employment of librarians in higher education. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program run on an HP3000 computer was used to generate frequency distribution, CROSSTABS, and other related statistical procedures. Data were then analyzed and presented to show pertinent comparative information. Results of the data analysis were presented in configuration tables and written form to answer the previously established 14 research questions.