Impact of the Increase in Library Doctorates

Abstract

A questionnaire was mailed to recipients of library doctoral degrees between 1930 and 1975 to determine the present and preferred areas of activity, evaluations of the doctoral degree as a factor in obtaining and performing present duties, and self-assessments of involvement in library research. Further, through an examination of position advertisements over a six-month period, the relative importance of a doctorate and other factors such as experience and special skills were weighed for positions in library education and academic library administration, and the dangers of potential fragmentation and compartmentalization based on these requirements are evaluated.