Career development: follow-up studies of Sheffield MA graduates 1985/1986 to 1992/1993

Abstract

Since the 1970s the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, UK, have carried out (and published results of) regular surveys of the profess ional careers and activities of graduates of its Masters programmes. Summarizes the principal findings of two questionnaire surveys of graduates of the MA in Librarianship programme, undertaken in Summer 1994 as unpublished MA thesis work. One survey investigated former students who graduated between 1986 and 1989 while the other surveyed all former students thought to be still resident in the UK and Republic of Ireland (and one now resident in the USA). The same questionnaire was used in both surveys. Where possible, the results from both surveys were collated and, where appropriate, related to the earlier surveys for 1979-1985. Information was sought about: the first and subsequent posts taken up by graduates (including unemployment, wastage and mobility); their duties and responsibilities; opinions on the value and rel evance of the MA programme and their pre programme experience to their career; factors affecting job satisfaction; their continuing professional devel opment needs; acquisition of new skills; and their involvement with profess ional organizations. Concludes that the majority of graduates surveyed are still working in the library and information field and are generally satisfied with their career choice. However, there is some dissatisfaction with the perceived low status accorded to librarians and information workers and with poor salary levels. A substantial number have left or are actively considering leav ing the profession. While the majority are still working in academic and pub lic libraries, there has been a noticeable decline in those working in public libraries and a corresponding increase in employment in special libraries and in the information technologies (the 'emerging market'). Respondents expressed a need for more training in management and information technol ogy and for more geographically distributed and cheaper short courses. It was felt that library schools could play a bigger role in continuing education of its own graduates through update and distance learning courses.