Career paths of African American women academic library administrators.

摘要

A paucity of research exists on racial minorities in library and information administrative positions. This study focused on seven African American female administrative heads of academic libraries to identify whether minority administrators encounter unique problems in their career progress.; Resumes, questionnaires and follow-up phone and email interviews were used for probing and clarification in this qualitative study. Information was gathered on library characteristics, librarians' profiles, career choices, patterns of professional growth, and barriers encountered in reaching administrative positions.; This study is significant in adding to information not only on women career development studies but also in adding the data specifically on the career paths of African American women library administrators. This study will also contribute to the literature on recruitment theory. A model was developed which is intended to help African American women become more successful in their quest for vertical mobility.