Over the past few years a troubling pattern has emerged, one that might be termed the trivialization of the Master of Library Science (MLS). As a result of several factors, not least the closing of library schools, low rates of pay for librarians, and high costs of living in many parts of the country, some college libraries have found it difficult…

This inquiry is an analysis of the trend toward infusing practitioners into the preparation of school administrators. Motives for increasing the number of part-time employees in higher education are identified and specific problems associated with the deployment of these instructors are discussed. The argument is made that the merits of this trend…

The implications for the careers of junior faculty members of the trend toward creating tenure-track appointments that are tenure-track in name only, without any real security, are examined. (MSE)

Two recent books, "The Case for Tenure" (Matthew W. Finkin, ed.) and "Promotion and Tenure" (William G. Tierney, Estela Mara Bensimon) are important contributions to the dialog about college faculty tenure. Each contributes to but does not fill the professoriate's need for a defense of tenure that incorporates the tradition of principled support…

A survey of 125 U.S. medical schools revealed changes in faculty evaluation, accountability measures reflected in compensation systems, new faculty tracks and career pathways, clarification of the portion of compensation defined by tenure, lengthened pretenure probation, and modification of the promotion-tenure link. Status of tenure guarantees,…

In light of public opinion concerning tenure, academic freedom, and role of college faculty, a new approach is proposed, incorporating these principles: return to concept of tenure as a lifelong contract awarded in the thirties, education of public concerning tenure, and active support for limited teaching contracts to replace tenure awards to…

Recent changes in the workplace have given rise to the following misconceptions or "myths" about the future of career development: loyalty and job security have disappeared; contingent employment reflects the "end of the job"; and the workplace of the future will continue to be youth focused. In reality, concerns over loyalty and job security have…

The reservations of many young faculty members about the tenure system are gaining increasing attention among older scholars, in part because they feel it must be discussed. Some call for a complete overhaul of the system. Even many tenure supporters feel more options are needed in the current environment of higher education. (MSE)

Potential threats to academic freedom from within the institution are increasing, including faculty lawsuits over tenure and appointment decisions, research-related conflicts of interest, collective bargaining processes, and the use of academic freedom as a catch-all protest. (MSE)

A growing bulge in the age distribution of California State University faculty and its potential effects on the status and distribution of full-time, part-time, tenured, and probationary appointments in the institution are examined. (MSE)

College faculty, particularly in the humanities, are finding institutions do not always treat substantial work with electronic media as a form of scholarship or service. While more humanities departments are embracing technology, faculty are finding involvement in innovative projects risky to their careers. Professional associations are criticized…

The outcomes of court decisions concerning faculty employment (e.g., nonrenewal and termination) during 1976-80 were evaluated, along with the level of knowledge among college and university officials about these judicial developments. The primary data source is the "Yearbook of Higher Education Law"; the secondary data source was a sample of 97…

Discussion of the decline of tenure in American higher education looks at its origins, the structural fragmentation of higher education, trends in faculty job security and part-time employment, resulting competition for teaching jobs, and the general loss of academic freedom as a consequence. Article argues that American higher education must work…

The trend toward extending nontenured faculty members' probationary periods beyond the traditional 6 years, is discussed, along with problems faced by faculty at the time of nonrenewal, implications for academic careers, and the issue of multiple standards for faculty evaluation within an institution. (MSE)

Review of American Association of University Professors cases (n=17) concerning college employment practices and policies during retrenchment draws a parallel between patterns of resource reallocation in higher education and redistribution of wealth and power in the larger society. Retrenchment is seen as a socially constructed not a…