Much of what passes for professionalism is self-serving elitism and not relevant to librarianship. Librarians, most of whom are women, should continue to improve service to the public and strive by pragmatic means to overcome low pay and status. (RAA)

Notes that the literature shows female intensive professions are usually devalued in terms of pay, status, career opportunities, and working conditions. It is argued that gender equity in librarianship should focus on library specialties, such as children's librarianship and cataloging, that are more likely to employ women than the profession as a…

Discussion of problems in library reference services focuses on the influence of gender roles. A historical overview of gender roles in the development of American librarianship is presented that highlights stereotyped views of and attitudes toward women, which the author suggests still have influences on librarianship today. (17 references) (LRW)

Examined statistical data, structural changes in librarianship, and professional commitment to determine how the status of women in libraries has changed from 1976-96. Found an increase in the salary difference between women and men, more library directors are male in a profession that is more than 80% female, and more men in full-time faculty…