Fostering Success

William K. Black, Joan M. Leysen
2002 Journal of Library Administration  
The degree to which new librarians are assimilated into the professional culture is critical to successfully dealing with the challenges facing academic libraries today. Clear understanding of the values of the institution and the support processes in place for professional contribution and growth enhance personal effectiveness and organizational relevance. This article reports the results of a survey of ARL directors and entry-level librarians on programs in place and methods used for
more » ... ng new librarians into the institutional and professional culture. Survey questions included a special focus on minority recruitment and retention. Responses provide a framework for current practices and expectations among ARL libraries. Comparisons are made to previous research and suggestions are provided for new directions. Abstract The degree to which new librarians are assimilated into the professional culture is critical to successfully dealing with the challenges facing academic libraries today. Clear understanding of the values of the institution and the support processes in place for professional contribution and growth enhance personal effectiveness and organizational relevance. This article report the results of a survey of ARL directors and entry-level librarians on programs in place and methods used for integrating new librarian into the institutional and professional culture. Survey questions included a special focus on minority recruitment and retention. Responses provide a framework for current practices and expectations among ARL libraries. Comparisons are made to previous research and suggestions are provided for new directions. Technological advancement, increased accountability and rising service and research expectations can present a variety of challenges to those aspiring to become fully functioning members of the academic culture. Into this expectant and uncertain sea of change enter new librarians who must cope with these forces and, at the same time, discover an effective route for their own advancement and success. In order to navigate successfully, new librarians must have a clear picture of the expectations in place and the support structures available for their progress. Little emphasis in the literature has been placed on factors important to entry-level librarians considering their first professional position and, more importantly, those factors essential to their advancement in the organization and profession. 1 As a major knowledge center on campus, the library must compose an effective strategy for building an environment for staff success. This is especially true as we face declining enrollments, increased diversity, and an aging workforce. As Urban Libraries Council President Joey Rodger, has noted, "If recently trained staff are going to stay, we need to find support systems for them in their first and second years that build on their enthusiasm and creative outlets to help them nourish each other." 2 Effective socialization is critical to the successful transition from graduate school to the academic environment. Socialization has been broadly defined as "the process whereby individuals learn and internalize the attitudes, values, and behaviors appropriate to persons Fostering Success... 3
doi:10.1300/j111v36n04_02 fatcat:7uix76lxazer7jrjqaedefoopu