Workforce Planning and the School Library Media Specialist

Abstract

This article utilizes data collected through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)–supported Workforce Issues in Library and Information Science 1 (WILIS 1) survey of graduates (1964–2007) of the five library and information science master's programs in North Carolina to consider career patterns and what these career patterns tell us about recruitment, retention, and retirement of school library media specialists (SLMSs). A life course approach is used to interpret the survey data and to suggest areas needing attention in recruiting and retaining SLMSs and planning for their retirement. Perhaps the most noteworthy finding is that a major influence on turnover of SLMSs is the lack of opportunities for career growth and development. Suggestions are offered for enhancing career development opportunities for SLMS.