Diversity in librarianship

There is a perceived lack of diversity in the field of librarianship. Older Caucasian males make up a significant percentage of library staff in higher positions, creating a deficit of library jobs for people of other sexes, ages, races, and ethnicities. Public libraries aim to hire a culturally diverse staff. The American Library Association, as well as many individual libraries around the country, are attempting to addressing the alleged problem.

According to a chart created by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2003 that compiled information from 2000 of all ethnicities, Hispanics are most underrepresented among librarians. It showed that about 9% of the U.S. population was Hispanic, while only 3% of the population were employed as librarians. The ethnicity with the fewest librarians in America was American Indian/Alaskan Natives, at 0.5% of the country’s population.[1] ARL’s statistics from 2009 to 2010 show that 14.3% of staff in ARL university libraries are minority groups.[2]

The majority of employees and educators agree that there is an issue with diversity among staff in the library field. Where they differ is how to solve the problem. There are opposing views on what is at the root of the issue, creating difficulty on how to change the status quo.

Some believe that the answer is to foster library education. To become a librarian or to gain a high position in libraries, most institutions require a master’s degree (an MLA or MLIS); many argue that there is not enough diversity among students who receive a graduate’s degree and as a result diversity lacks in the library career field. The ARL is just one organization who subscribes to this school of thought. They developed the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW) to help those minorities going to school for a library degree finish.

Another field of thought is that a lack of diversity in the workplace is due to poor working climates. This group of people would argue that the workforce of libraries does not recruit and nurture the careers of underrepresented groups.[2] Some recommend training staff to become more culturally sensitive and value others coming into the workforce. Also, leaders should be trained to value cultural diversity when going through a hiring process.[2]

Some think the problem lies with a lack of interest in the career field of Library and Information Science. If minorities do not desire to become librarians, they will not seek to obtain an MLS or MLIS and therefore will not fill high job roles in libraries. Some recommended solutions are to create a great experience for all racial groups early on in life. This may inspire more young children to become interested in the career field later on in life. Another method suggested by employers is to grant free education to minorities who currently work in libraries at an entry level position if they pursue a degree that will further them in their current job.