The African American Male Librarian: Motivational Factors in Choosing a Career in Library and Information Science
Published in Behavioral & Social Sciences Librarian, 2009 28(1)
A recent American Library Association (ALA) report has shown that less than one percent of credentialed librarians are... more A recent American Library Association (ALA) report has shown that less than one percent of credentialed librarians are African American males. This article discusses possible reasons for this dearth; and, in an effort to inform future LIS recruiting and marketing campaigns, the included study attempted discover which factors lead African American males to choose to pursue a graduate degree in library and information science (LIS) and practice LIS as a career. The study also canvassed African American male librarians’ views on gender advantage in LIS, their career goals, perceived triumphs and challenges in LIS, and level of job satisfaction.