142 - Who Gets In? Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Health Sciences Librarianship

Objectives: This study aims to analyze demographic information on the number of individuals who identify with specific gender and racial/ethnic group(s). This data was gathered for two entities: academic institutions with American Library Association (ALA) accredited Masters-level degree library programs, and member libraries of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL). This study aims to compare the data from both groups to identify opportunities for growth in gender and racial/ethnic group representation, recruitment, and retention among library students, as well as among health sciences librarians.

Methods: Population: ALA-accredited Masters-level library degree programs (63, as of November 5, 2021), and AAHSL member libraries (130, as of the 2020-2021 AAHSL Report).

Assessment: A Qualtrics survey was sent to each participant; questions varied between population subgroups so that participants of the library degree programs were asked specific questions regarding their programs, and participants of the AAHSL member libraries group were asked specific questions regarding their institutional libraries. Survey data points included demographic information on gender and racial/ethnic group identities, recruitment and retention practices of historically underrepresented groups, and policies and procedures that have been established to promote the recruitment and retention of members of these groups. Survey responses were anonymized and no identifying information was gathered. Participants could choose to opt out of completing the survey at any time. Data collection was completed on March 31, 2022.

Results: Preliminary results indicate a lack of available demographic data for students enrolled in ALA-accredited MLS programs; indeed, the response rate for this survey was low. Preliminary data also suggests academic health sciences librarianship to be predominately represented by white females; although many AAHSL member libraries indicated departmental and/or institutional policies to support inclusive hiring practices. Preliminary data also shows mixed responses for perceived barriers or challenges in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of librarians of color. These responses range from perceiving no barrier/challenge to suggesting onus falls to the applicant (e.g., there are not enough "diverse" applicants).

Conclusions: The field of academic health sciences librarianship is predominately represented by white women; conclusions cannot be drawn for the survey of ALA-accredited MLS programs due to the low response rate. It remains unclear at this time if the lack of diversity occurs at the level of student enrollment into professional programs, or if applicants do not appear interested in the field of academic health sciences librarianship. Future research will gather responses from BIPOC students and librarians for insight.