Recruitment and retention in the public library – a baseline study

Abstract

Reports the first stage of an investigation into the public library workforce in the UK. The investigation consisted of a postal survey of all UK public library authorities and had an 80 per cent response rate. Information and data were collected concerning recruitment and retention. The results indicate a high level of variation in attitudes and practices. There is evidence that some authorities that have career development initiatives are twice as likely to be actively recruiting candidates, and a statistically significant relationship between the length of stay of new professionals and ongoing career development. There is evidence of a new trend in recruitment which emphasises specific qualities, skills and abilities which candidates offer, rather than possession of a single qualification. It was found that there is staff retention by default.