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Dissertation Information for Marion Ruth Taylor

NAME:
- Marion Ruth Taylor

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Rutgers University (USA) (1973)

ADVISORS:
- Ernest Deprospo

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Mildred Y. Johnson
- James R. Watson
- Henry Voos

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: EXTERNAL MOBILITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN LIBRARIANSHIP: A STUDYOF THE CAREERS OF LIBRARIANS GRADUATING FROM ACCREDITED LIBRARY SCHOOLS IN 1955

Abstract: The job-histories and extra-job activities of a group of professional librarians of all types were examined in a study of mobility characteristics and career life style. The purpose of the study was to determine relationships between external mobility (that is, change in employer) and professional activity. Differences in mobility and professional involvement of female and male librarians were also considered. Evidence was found that greater mobility is associated with greater professional involvement. The study was exploratory in nature. In early phases, potential sources of mobility data were investigated, resulting in a decision to secure data by mailed questionnaire. A pre-tested instrument was sent to librarians identified through the biographical directory, Who’s Who in Library Service (1965) as having received masters’ degrees in 1955 from accredited U.S. library schools. The ultimate study group was composed of 194 librarians (56% women, 44% men) actively engaged in library work since graduation, who completed the questionnaire – a 60% return. The final phase, focused on this Study Group, was in part concerned with development of techniques for measuring mobility, analysis of pre-professional experience and career structure, and identification of elements indicative of professional involvement. Significant findings reveal that the more mobile librarians are more active in national library associations, more frequently engaged in part-time study, particularly in degree programs, and more active in production of library literature. The less mobile are more active on the local level, as participants in local library groups and in non-library affairs. As mobility increases, prospects for supervision of other professionals increase. Salary and mobility seem associated only for the female librarians—the immobile woman is apt to earn less. However, these women are also apt to be older than their more mobile colleagues so that age is undoubtedly a factor here. Male/female differences are colored by the large proportion of separated, divorced, or widowed women (14% of the Study Group), especially as the average age of these women is almost ten years more than the group average. Nonetheless, it is evident that male librarians earn higher salaries than women, have more formal education and move more readily from one state to another. Proportionately more females than males belong to national library associations and to non-library groups. The women are also more likely to undertake informal part-time study. The conclusion is reached that the librarian who wants to move becomes involved in professional activities in order to further his (or her) career. Simultaneously, avenues for movement are more available to the professional involved librarian. It is also concluded that low professional orientation of the immobile female is largely due to her older age. The implication is that discrimination against women in librarianship, based on the female librarians’ supposed lack of career-mindedness is unwarranted.

MPACT Scores for Marion Ruth Taylor

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:09:09

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Students under Marion Ruth Taylor

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None