The failure of libraries to hire a more diverse librarian workforce: More than just a “lack of diversity in the candidate pool”

Academic libraries have been trying to recruit a more diverse librarian workforce since the 1960s (ARL Spec Kit 167, 1990). So why do we continue to fail? It’s not just a “lack of diversity in the pool.” Libraries need to do better. Libraries need to do more. In this session, I will share findings from a 2019-2020 research study about the hiring policies and practices for academic librarians in Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) institutions. Drawing on interviews conducted with Search Committee Chairs and people in “HR type” support roles, and a content analysis of academic librarian job postings, we’ll explore practical suggestions for moving beyond the status quo. 

Participants will:
• Learn about a variety of different hiring practices and policies implemented at CARL institutions with the goal of recruiting a more diverse and inclusive academic librarian workforce.
• Consider whether specific hiring practices and policies support and / or create barriers to developing a more diverse and inclusive workforce