Part-Time Librarians: an Examination of their Roles in Missouri Academic Libraries

1. Part-Time Librarians:an Examination of their Roles in Missouri Academic Libraries

2. Brent HusherReference Librarian, UMKCAdjunct Reference Librarian, MCC – Longviewhusherb@umkc.eduTensy Marcos-BodkerAdjunct Reference Librarian, MCC – LongviewTensy.Marcos-Bodker@mcckc.edu

3. Agenda1. National Picture2. Survey of Missouri Libraries3. What Part-Timers Offer4. Challenges Part-Timers Face5. Remedies6. Questions

4. Adjuncts – the national picture? http://www.flickr.com/photos/manchesterlibrary/3401129903/

5. Adjuncts – the national picture • In 1987 slightly more than half of CC faculty were part-time • In 2003, that number was up to 70% • 43% or 530,000 part-time (US dept. Ed) • 67% of faculty at CC are part-time (Schmidt 2008)

6. Adjuncts –the national picture • From 1976 to 1999 enrollment up by 34%, part-time faculty grew by 119%, and full-time grew by 31% • Women disproportionately over-represented in part-time work • 68% of faculty teaching English at community colleges are part-time. (MLA Dec 2008)

7. Survey of Missouri Academic Libraries http://www.flickr.com/photos/hometowninvasion/392578146/

8. Survey Design & Methods • Problems • Random selection etc. • Includes qualitative • Survey rules

10. Who Participated? • Started survey: 91 • Work at a Missouri academic library: 72 • Self-identified as part-time : 7 • Self-identified as full-time: 51 • Manager or administrator: 29

11. I consider part-time librarianship to be… As / than full-time

12. (Part-Time Respondents only) I consider part-time librarianship to be… As / than full-time

13. Comments related to Professional Status • We only have part time med students that keep library open at night.  • however--that's not how full-time colleagues view us!  • It does not matter whether the person works full time or part time as a librarian. It is the quality of work that matters.  • Are not required to do research or service at our institution.  • It depends on the position and person's work.

14. More Comments • Part-time librarians are at a disadvantage in a variety of ways--communication, access to management, opportunities for advancement, etc • We only have a part-time librarian on an as needed basis, when we are not fully staffed. • I do not see a connection between the amount of time spent and the quality of a person's work. I do see a problem if the employer does not offer full-time employment as the norm, however.

15. More Comments • Part-time librarians are not expected to do research or service. • not useful, too long to train, unable to fill need, hard to find "MLS" required work as too long to train • There are no part-time librarians at my institution (14 responses)

16. Benefits Respondents say most full-time and few part- time librarians receive the following benefits: • Employer provided health insurance • Vacation time • Paid sick time • Employer funded retirement plan

17. Benefits

18. Benefits Comments • Librarians are faculty on a 12 month contract so we have better benefits than the majority of the faculty who are on 9 mo contracts • 12 month librarians receive all the benefits listed; 9 month do not have formal leave/vacation or sick time • Part-timers receive pro-rated benefits

19. Benefits Comments • Instead of part time librarians, we have part time reference assistants • Part-time librarians really suffer because of this status • Have not employed a part-time librarian in 5 years

20. Benefits Comments • Our part-timers are retired faculty • No part-time has an benefits whether professional or support staff • We don’t have part-time people in librarian positions

21. Professional Development Respondents say most full-time and few part- time librarians receive the following : • Funding for conference registration • Funding for conference hotel and travel • Paid time-off for conference and webinars

22. Professional Development

23. Professional Development Comments • Budget status affects this each year • Given $1000/year for professional development • Funding cut this year • Limited funding but at discretion of librarian • When the budget allows • Everyone gets a portion of conferences paid

24. Professional Development Comments • This varies; sometimes part-timers do receive paid time off for local conferences and seminars • Sometimes the costs are covered, if part-time insists on this • There are occasional exceptions for part-timers to attend local seminars & conferences • Part-timers can apply for staff development monies.

25. What Part-Timers Offer

26. What Part-Timers Offer • Work experience • Increased productivity • Reduced absenteeism/turnover • Reduced burnout • Extended coverage (nights/weekends)

27. What Part-Timers Offer • Retain professionals who choose part-time • Parenting • Caregivers • Seeking additional degrees • Geographic relocation • Reduce labor costs (no benefits) • Income for retirees

28. Challenges Part-Timers Face

29. Challenges Part-Timers Face • Communication • Pay • Experience • Burnout / boredom • Professional development/advancement

30. Remedies

31. Remedies • Communication • Integrating with campus • Cross training –keep things interesting • Additional responsibilities , assignments & projects • Duties: rotating & new • Offer & encourage support & training • New kinds of rewards

32. Remedies • Retention • Faculty Status • Invest in Future • Encourage Professional Development (Research, Presentation etc.) • Examine Inequalities

33. http://www.flickr.com/photos/livenature/285477467/