ERIC Number: EJ1463392
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0010-0870
EISSN: EISSN-2150-6701
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Humanizing the Doctorate for Librarians: Benefits, Challenges, and Support Systems
College & Research Libraries, v86 n2 p347-363 2025
In this qualitative case study, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 Pennsylvania State University librarians who hold, or are considering pursuing, a doctoral degree. Through a thematic analysis using NVivo, we found that the benefits of earning a doctorate included gaining credibility, building relationships with teaching faculty, enhancing research skills, and obtaining a sense of accomplishment. Challenges were primarily related to time management and financial constraints. Supportive advisors and a synergy between library work and doctoral research are important. Libraries benefit from increased knowledge of librarians and can support their doctoral aspirations through financial assistance and flexible work arrangements.
Descriptors: Librarians, State Universities, Academic Libraries, Librarian Attitudes, Doctoral Students, Doctoral Degrees, Doctoral Programs, Graduates, Educational Benefits, Educational Attainment, Barriers, Knowledge Level, Achievement Gains, Academic Aspiration, Credibility, Academic Rank (Professional), Collegiality, Research Skills, Humanization
Association of College and Research Libraries. 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. e-mail: acrl@ala.org; Web site: http://crl.acrl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A