A Political and Economic Climate of Crisis?: Perceptions of the Academe at ALA-Accredited LIS Schools

Abstract

Academia is an ever-evolving institution. Where once it was viewed as a body primarily charged with educating students, many instances universities now consider research to be their primary raison d’être. This research surveyed library and information science (LIS) faculty members employed at institutions accredited by the American Libraries Association (ALA) in order to discern their views and opinions regarding contemporary academe and the expectations placed upon them. 140 tenured or tenure-track professors responded to an online questionnaire that concerned topics such as perceptions of academia, job duties, and the institutional expectations that were placed upon them. Respondents generally agreed that they were very satisfied with their jobs, even as they raised doubts as to the manner in which they were evaluated. In addition, the responding faculty members indicated that they were generally highly motivated to perform research, despite reports of changing and increasing pressures on higher education, generally, and LIS education, specifically. The results can be used to inform the further refinement of higher education and its rewards. This will provide an opportunity for educating prospective LIS academics about the expectations that will be placed upon them and to build appropriate career support.