Half Empty or Half Full? Staffing Trends in Academic Libraries at U.S. Research Universities, 2000–2008

This study is a quantitative analysis of FTE staffing levels at academic libraries at 176 U.S. research universities between 2000 and 2008. Results showed that overall staffing levels at these libraries declined but that the average number of professional librarian FTE positions modestly increased. Other professional staff positions increased at a significantly higher rate than librarian positions. In addition, a significant percentage of libraries in the study showed a decrease in librarian FTE positions while gaining other professional positions. Results of this study provide an empirical reference point for organizational transformations occurring in academic libraries and a starting point for further quantitative and qualitative inquiry.