Small-College Library Directors: Getting in the Door and Surviving on the Job

Abstract

This paper reports findings from a 1996 survey which examined job preparedness of library directors at four-year colleges in twelve Midwest states. The survey measured: a) qualifications possessed at the time each person obtained his or her first director's position; and b) the skills and abilities directors felt were essential to surviving and doing well in their positions. One hundred fifty-eight directors returned questionnaires for a response rate of 84 percent. Participants in the 1995-96 College Library Director Mentor Program also supplied a list of essential skills for the first year in a new position.