Impostor Phenomenon and Skills Confidence among Scholarly Communications Librarians in the United States

Date

2021

Authors

Owens, Erin

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ACRL (College & Research Libraries)

Abstract

This survey-based study sought to measure the experience of impostor phenomenon among library personnel supporting scholarly communications in academic libraries in the United States. Additionally, the survey sought to assess confidence levels in key, professionally defined competencies and the factors most significantly affecting those confidence levels. Results indicated that, on average, scholarly communications librarians experience impostor phenomenon more frequently and intensely than academic librarians more broadly. The length of time spent working in libraries was negatively correlated with levels of impostor phenomenon, as were hours spent in specialized continuing education activities and number of research publications. Implications for improving training and mentoring opportunities to decrease impostor phenomenon are discussed.

Description

Article published in College & Research Libraries

Keywords

academic librarians, scholarly communications, impostor phenomenon, core competencies

Citation

Owens, E. (2021). Impostor phenomenon and skills confidence among scholarly communications librarians in the United States. College & Research Libraries 82(4): 490-512. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.82.4.490