Second career librarians: teachers transitioning to librarianship

Abstract

PurposeSecond career librarians have emerged from many professions over the years. They have made significant contributions to librarianship as they transfer their years of expertise, knowledge and skills from their former careers into the field. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which motivate teachers to leave the teaching profession and make the entrance into librarianship. The findings will be used to justify whether the switch is just a means of acquiring advance education or is a conscious desire to change their career. This research will discover common themes in their experiences and perceptions and draw reasonable conclusions about them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a qualitative analysis of data gleaned from in‐depth interviews with teachers who completed the Master in Library and Information Studies degree between 1996 and 2008 at the Department of Library and Information Studies, University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and responses were recorded to facilitate transcription in an effort to detect similar themes in their experiences.FindingsFindings of this research substantiate existing empirical evidence which highlights better opportunities as a major career motivation for second career librarians.Originality/valueThe paper builds on the literature in second career librarians and offers essential information which should impact library education and library administrators' recruitment policies. The findings of this research are therefore expected to be of value to educators and practitioners in the field of library and information science.