Finding Their Own Way: A Phenomenological Study of Academic Librarians’ Experiences with Tenure

Abstract

This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the tenure system in academic libraries and the perceptions of tenured and tenure-track librarians regarding their professional identities in relation to tenure. Utilizing the participants’ descriptions of their professional experiences, the study aims to (a) critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the tenure system and (b) understand how the status of tenure impacts librarians’ professional identities within their respective institutions.