Latino librarians on becoming LIS educators : An exploratory investigation of the barriers in recruiting Latino faculty

Abstract

LIS schools have produced a limited number of Latino MLS graduates, but they have not attracted them back to pursue doctoral studies and teaching positions. Using a semistructured interview technique, eight “expert” Latino librarians were interviewed for their perspectives on the barriers preventing Latino LIS professionals from pursuing positions as LIS faculty. This exploratory investigation identified four specific barriers which were perceived as contributing to the lack of Latino LIS faculty: isolation from the academy, ethnocentrism within LIS education, financial concerns, and personal concerns.

LIS schools have produced a limited number of Latino MLS graduates, but they have not attracted them back to pursue doctoral studies and teaching positions. Using a semistructured interview technique, eight “expert” Latino librarians were interviewed for their perspectives on the barriers preventing Latino LIS professionals from pursuing positions as LIS faculty. This exploratory investigation identified four specific barriers which were perceived as contributing to the lack of Latino LIS faculty: isolation from the academy, ethnocentrism within LIS education, financial concerns, and personal concerns.