Aspirations and Mentoring in an Academic Environment: Women Faculty in Library and Information Science

(Hardback)

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Description

This is the first booklength study of women in library education. The authors set out to examine the dynamic social processes and significant relationships--such as mentioning--that have shaped the aspirations and career goals of women faculty in library and information science. Employing a intergenerational sample the authors construct a unique view of the changes in opportunities and gender role expectations in the field. In addition, Maack and Passet apply management models of mentoring and support relationships to the university environment. This leads to an analysis of the kinds of mentoring and peer support relationships that best enable women to succeed, and the authors conclude with recommendatons for ways to foster positive mentoring relationships. Written from a feminist perspective, the volume draws from the work of scholars in women's studies, sociology, psychology, management, anthropology, and higher education. Not only will the volume be of interest to those in or aspiring to a career in academia it will be of use to scholars and students in the above disciplines as well.

Reviews

.,."a straightforward, balanced, earnestly reported study."- The Library Quarterly
.,."Any woman contemplating an academic career in library and information science should find this a worthwhile study. Deans, directors, and senior faculty would profit as well from hearing how they might serve supportive functions, as guides, mentors, or just thoughtful colleagues."-Library & Information Science Research
...a straightforward, balanced, earnestly reported study.- The Library Quarterly
...Any woman contemplating an academic career in library and information science should find this a worthwhile study. Deans, directors, and senior faculty would profit as well from hearing how they might serve supportive functions, as guides, mentors, or just thoughtful colleagues.-Library & Information Science Research
An interesting and well researched study of women in library and information science education....This is a book that should be read by men educators as well as women. It should be of interest to women in all higher education disciplines.-Journal of Information, Communication & Library Science
Aspirations and Mentoring in an Academic Environment clearly does break new ground. Based on the authors' earlier historical research on female library educators, this is a report on a pioneering cross-generational study of the social processes and significant relationship, including mentoring, that have shaped the aspirations and career goals of more than 150 women library school faculty. The study is truly brought to life by the comments from the participants. Those remarks and the findings of the study emphasize the importance of mentoring relationships. Of particular significance is the need for such relationships in developing life-long career goals and at times of transition, such as relocation to a new academic institution.-Wilson Library Bulletin
The literature on mentoring is a growing one; this well-written and solidly researched volume is an excellent addition. Highly recommended for research collections in women's studies or library science.-Library Journal
..."a straightforward, balanced, earnestly reported study."- The Library Quarterly
..."Any woman contemplating an academic career in library and information science should find this a worthwhile study. Deans, directors, and senior faculty would profit as well from hearing how they might serve supportive functions, as guides, mentors, or just thoughtful colleagues."-Library & Information Science Research
"An interesting and well researched study of women in library and information science education....This is a book that should be read by men educators as well as women. It should be of interest to women in all higher education disciplines."-Journal of Information, Communication & Library Science
"The literature on mentoring is a growing one; this well-written and solidly researched volume is an excellent addition. Highly recommended for research collections in women's studies or library science."-Library Journal
"Aspirations and Mentoring in an Academic Environment clearly does break new ground. Based on the authors' earlier historical research on female library educators, this is a report on a pioneering cross-generational study of the social processes and significant relationship, including mentoring, that have shaped the aspirations and career goals of more than 150 women library school faculty. The study is truly brought to life by the comments from the participants. Those remarks and the findings of the study emphasize the importance of mentoring relationships. Of particular significance is the need for such relationships in developing life-long career goals and at times of transition, such as relocation to a new academic institution."-Wilson Library Bulletin

Author Bio

MARY NILES MAACK is Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, UCLA. JOANNE PASSET is Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Science, American Studies, and Women's Studies, Indiana University.