Workplace learning tendencies of university librarians: A gender perspective

Abstract

This article reveals the workplace learning tendencies of librarians working in state universities in Turkey in terms of gender variable. Workplace learning tendencies of librarians were categorized under three headings: interests and needs for learning, learning styles and obstacles encountered in learning processes. The research was conducted by comparison type relational survey model. In the data collection stage, a 5-point scale questionnaire consisting of 30 statements with proven validity and reliability was used. Through SPSS 22.0 program, central tendency and dispersion measures were applied in the analysis of the data process. The research population consisted of 525 librarians working in state universities in Turkey. From this population, 245 librarians were reached through simple random sampling method. The findings of the study show that compared to male librarians, female librarians think that librarianship requires continuous learning. Furthermore, while female librarians are willing to receive in-service training on professional and technological innovations, male employees tend to maintain these processes in self-directed and heutagogical approaches, and they prefer to receive in-service training in the fields of personal development and actuality. Finally, female employees state that they allocate less time for learning processes in the workplace than male employees due to the workload and obstacles they face in the workplace. The fact that the number of female librarians is higher than that of male librarians did not create any change in the context of gender. Researchers suggest applying workplace learning tendencies questionnaire to different occupational groups for future studies. This study is multidisciplinary research that deals with librarians' workplace learning in the framework of gender differences. It is anticipated that this research will contribute to the literature, since there are few studies in which the librarianship profession is handled by different disciplines.