Summary: A recent IMLS-funded grant project investigated the factors that impact librarians’ retention in the library and information science (LIS) field. Through a nation-wide survey and the completion of 30 semi-structured interviews, the project found that while retention to the field was a concern for many participants, the more salient concern was retention within their current jobs. This session will highlight the factors identified as most impactful for retaining librarians both in their positions and in the field, as well as the contextual factors that supported resiliency. The presenters will engage participants in conversation around how individuals and organizations can respond to these factors and work collaboratively to better support librarian job and career retention.

Presenters:
Dr. Mónica Colón-Aguirre is an associate professor at the University of South Carolina, School of Information Science. She is a recipient of the Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship (2008) and has more than a decade of experience as an instructor and researcher.

Amy VanScoy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information Science at the University at Buffalo. Her research explores professional work and practitioner thinking in library and information science.

Dr. Kawanna M. Bright (she/her) is Associate Professor of Library Science at East Carolina University. Her current research focuses on assessment in libraries; equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in libraries; the application of research methodology to the study of library and information science; and the liaison librarianship role in academic libraries.