Humanizing the Doctorate for Librarians: Benefits, Challenges, and Support Systems

In this qualitative case study, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 Pennsylvania State University librarians who hold, or are considering pursuing, a doctoral degree. Through a thematic analysis using NVivo, we found that the benefits of earning a doctorate included gaining credibility, building relationships with teaching faculty, enhancing research skills, and obtaining a sense of accomplishment. Challenges were primarily related to time management and financial constraints. Supportive advisors and a synergy between library work and doctoral research are important. Libraries benefit from increased knowledge of librarians and can support their doctoral aspirations through financial assistance and flexible work arrangements.

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Work Title Humanizing the Doctorate for Librarians: Benefits, Challenges, and Support Systems
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Mihoko Hosoi
  2. Danica E. White
  3. Kathleen Phillips
Keyword
  1. Doctoral degrees
  2. Doctorate
  3. PhD
  4. Library faculty
  5. Academic libraries
  6. Qualitative Content Analysis
  7. Thematic Analysis
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. College & Research Libraries (C&RL)
Publication Date March 1, 2025
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.86.2.347
Deposited March 03, 2025

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Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Added 25996-55888-1-PB.pdf
  • Added Creator Mihoko Hosoi
  • Added Creator D White
  • Added Creator K Phillips
  • Published
  • Updated
  • Updated Work Title Show Changes
    Work Title
    • Humanizing the doctorate for library faculty: Benefits, challenges, and support systems
    • Humanizing the Doctorate for Librarians: Benefits, Challenges, and Support Systems
  • Updated Keyword Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Doctoral degrees, Doctorate, PhD, Library faculty, Academic libraries, Qualitative Content Analysis, Thematic Analysis
  • Renamed Creator Danica E. White Show Changes
    • D White
    • Danica E. White
  • Renamed Creator Kathleen Phillips Show Changes
    • K Phillips
    • Kathleen Phillips