Abstract

It is an exciting time to be a school librarian, but there are concerns about possible shortages in the profession in the not too far distant future, as the ‘baby-boomer’ generation currently working in schools approaches retirement. In order to attract and retain suitably qualified new recruits to the profession, this study examines the reasons why people choose this area of librarianship. Using Herzberg’s motivation theory in the world of work as a framework, nine librarians currently employed in secondary schools were interviewed about their reasons for choosing school librarianship as a profession. This qualitative study concludes that for most women school librarianship is a conscious lifestyle choice, as the availability of flexible hours offers superior work/life balance. Other factors are the environment, plus the people, and the job itself which offers autonomy, variety, and immensely satisfying work. The two major sources of dissatisfaction are pay and conditions of employment.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.