Contributory factors to academic librarian turnover: A mixed-methods study

Authors

• Christina Heady, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Amy F. Fyn, Eastern Michigan University
• Amanda Foster Kaufman, Wake Forest University
• Allison Hosier, SUNY Albany
• Millicent Weber, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Department/School

University Library

Publication Title

Journal of Library Administration

Abstract

Motivation: Research has shown that high employee turnover is correlated with negative overall performance and increased costs.  Problem: While employee turnover has been a significant area of  study in organizational psychology and human resources management, there are few recent studies related to employee turnover in  academic libraries. Approach: This study examined the reasons librarians identified for  leaving one academic institution for another within a five-year  period via an online survey.  Results: Results indicate that turnover within academic libraries is  influenced by several factors related to work environment, compensation and benefits, job duties and personal needs.  Conclusion: Understanding why librarians leave their positions is the  first step toward improving employee retention in academic libraries.

Comments

A. Fyn is a faculty member in EMU's Library.

This journal article was featured at EMU's 2022 Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity Showcase.

Link to Published Version

DOI: 10.1080/01930826.2020.1748425

Recommended Citation

Heady, C., Fyn, A. F., Foster Kaufman, A., Hosier, A., & Weber, M. (2020). Contributory factors to academic librarian turnover: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Library Administration, 60(6), 579–599. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2020.1748425