Remote and Hybrid Work Options for Health Science Librarians: A Survey of Job Postings Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study compares health science librarian job postings in the MEDLIB-L listserv from 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 to assess whether there was an increase in remote or hybrid schedule arrangements listed in job advertisements after the pandemic’s onset. Results indicated a notable increase in advertising remote/hybrid work arrangements rising from 1.2% of listings in 2018–2019 to 16% of listings in 2021–2022. Data from a 2022 survey of library directors, however, indicated that approximately 70% of respondents expressed confidence in the continuance of remote/hybrid work. Additionally, from a very limited sample size, salaries for remote/hybrid positions did not appear to be less than in-person postings. While current employees at many institutions may benefit from flexible scheduling, this study examines whether job postings, which are often the primary information available to applicants, included information about remote and hybrid work options.