This study uses quantitative methods to study the degrees and majors of academic library deans at Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions. It shows trends in hiring deans as well as commonalities among those interested in administrative library positions.

Research Questions

•  Are newer deans: •  more likely to possess a doctorate? •  more likely to possess an advanced degree in addition to a MLS?

•  What percentage of deans have a MLS? •  Are deans with PhDs more or less likely to also possess a MLS? •  How many deans’ PhDs are in library science?

Methods

Further Results

Sample Characteristics •  sample size: 104 ARL library deans

•  started with123 library deans in ARL directory •  listwise deletion of those missing data •  104 deans in study:

•  56 male •  69 female

Data Gathering Methods •  document analysis:

•  library websites •  staff directories •  dean welcome pages •  dean bios

•  university academic catalogs •  faculty directories •  faculty profiles •  CVs •  press releases •  library newsletters •  publications •  ARL minutes, news, etc.

•  solicited any missing information by email

Descriptive Statistics

  71% hired for current position after 2000   68% of doctorate holders were hired after 2000   only 24% have doctoral degrees

Doctorate Holders

Institutions with Deans without a MLS

Next Steps & Further Research   further analyses:

  changes in the degrees of deans hired in the last 40 years   relationship between deans’ degrees and their work experiences   relationship between advanced study subject area & type of institution

  comparison of ARL deans with deans at other types of institutions

Introduction Results The Data

  12.5% American or European History

  7.7% MBA   6.7% Education   3.8% Public Administration   2.9%

  English   Latin American Studies

  1.9%   Music   Economics   Computer Science   Art History

  Less than 1%   Agriculture, French, Middle Eastern

Studies, Asian Languages, Theology, Anthropology, Government, Liberal Studies

  25 total   23 PhD or EdD

  9 History   6 Education   3 Library Science   3 Unspecified   1 Economics

  1 MD   1 DPA

  56% male   45% female   all doctorate holders without

MLS = male

  UC Berkeley   Harvard   Yale

  University of Michigan   Library of Congress   National Institute of Health

MLS status unknown