Occupational role identity of women academic librarians

Abstract

With advanced microcomputer technology, distributed access to bibliographic and textual data, and a cultural climate of disdain for the traditional, the professional demands placed upon academic librarians are enormous. And yet, women continue to embrace this professional subspecialty. A national survey examined the occupational role identity of female academic librarians. Personal, demographic, and job data were collected. In addition, a test for orientation to the occupational role and a sex-role orientation test were administered. Statistical analyses ranged from cross-tabulations to multiple discriminant analyses. Academic librarians were found to hold a positive and unique occupational role identity.