scholarly journals Measuring impostor phenomenon among health sciences librarians

2019 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker ◽  
Michelle B. Bass ◽  
Debra A. Werner ◽  
Liz Kellermeyer
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Impostor Phenomenon ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Impostor Feelings ◽  
Prevention Methods

Objective: Impostor phenomenon, also known as impostor syndrome, is the inability to internalize accomplishments while experiencing the fear of being exposed as a fraud. Previous work has examined impostor phenomenon among academic college and research librarians, but health sciences librarians, who are often asked to be experts in medical subject areas with minimal training or education in these areas, have not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to measure impostor phenomenon among health sciences librarians.Methods: A survey of 2,125 eligible Medical Library Association (MLA) members was taken from October to December 2017. The online survey featuring the Harvey Impostor Phenomenon scale, a validated measure of impostor phenomenon, was administered, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine relationships between impostor phenomenon scores and demographic variables.Results: A total of 703 participants completed the survey (33% response rate), and 14.5% of participants scored ≥42 on the Harvey scale, indicating possible impostor feelings. Gender, race, and library setting showed no associations, but having an educational background in the health sciences was associated with lower impostor scores. Age and years of experience were inversely correlated with impostor phenomenon, with younger and newer librarians demonstrating higher scores.Conclusions: One out of seven health sciences librarians in this study experienced impostor phenomenon, similar to previous findings for academic librarians. Librarians, managers, and MLA can work to recognize and address this issue by raising awareness, using early prevention methods, and supporting librarians who are younger and/or new to the profession. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

scholarly journals Coping with impostor feelings: evidence-based recommendations from a mixed methods study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker ◽  
Debra A. Werner ◽  
Liz Kellermeyer ◽  
Michelle Beth Bass
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Impostor Phenomenon ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Impostor Feelings ◽  
Education Support

Objective – The negative effects of impostor phenomenon, also called impostor syndrome, include burnout and decreased job satisfaction and have led to an increased interest in addressing this issue in libraries in recent years. While previous research has shown that many librarians experience impostor phenomenon, the experience of coping with these feelings has not been widely studied. The aim of our study was to understand how health sciences librarians cope with impostor phenomenon in the workplace. Methods – We conducted a census of 2125 Medical Library Association members between October and December 2017. An online survey featuring the Harvey Impostor Phenomenon scale and open-ended questions about coping strategies to address impostor phenomenon at work was administered to all eligible participants. We used thematic analysis to explore strategies for addressing impostor phenomenon and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine relationships between impostor phenomenon scores and coping strategies.Results – Among 703 survey respondents, 460 participants completed the qualitative portion of the survey (65%). We found that external coping strategies that drew on the help of another person or resource, such as education, support from colleagues, and mentorship were associated with lower impostor scores and more often rated by participants as effective, while internal strategies like reflection, mindfulness, and recording praise were associated with less effectiveness and a greater likelihood of impostor feelings. Most respondents reported their strategies to be effective, and the use of any strategy appeared to be more effective than not using one at all.Conclusions – This study provides evidence-based recommendations for librarians, library leaders, and professional organizations to raise awareness about impostor phenomenon and support our colleagues experiencing these feelings. We attempt to situate our recommendations within the context of potential barriers, such as white supremacy culture, the resilience narrative, and the lack of open communication in library organizations.

scholarly journals Coping with Impostor Feelings: Evidence Based Recommendations from a Mixed Methods Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-41
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker ◽  
Debra A. Werner ◽  
Liz Kellermeyer ◽  
Michelle B. Bass
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Impostor Phenomenon ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Impostor Feelings ◽  
Education Support

Abstract Objective – The negative effects of impostor phenomenon, also called impostor syndrome, include burnout and decreased job satisfaction and have led to an increased interest in addressing this issue in libraries in recent years. While previous research has shown that many librarians experience impostor phenomenon, the experience of coping with these feelings has not been widely studied. The aim of our study was to understand how health sciences librarians cope with impostor phenomenon in the workplace.  Methods – We conducted a census of 2125 Medical Library Association members between October and December 2017. An online survey featuring the Harvey Impostor Phenomenon scale and open-ended questions about coping strategies to address impostor phenomenon at work was administered to all eligible participants. We used thematic analysis to explore strategies for addressing impostor phenomenon and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine relationships between impostor phenomenon scores and coping strategies. Results – Among 703 survey respondents, 460 participants completed the qualitative portion of the survey (65%). We found that external coping strategies that drew on the help of another person or resource, such as education, support from colleagues, and mentorship, were associated with lower impostor scores and more often rated by participants as effective, while internal strategies like reflection, mindfulness, and recording praise were associated with less effectiveness and a greater likelihood of impostor feelings. Most respondents reported their strategies to be effective, and the use of any strategy appeared to be more effective than not using one at all. Conclusions – This study provides evidence based recommendations for librarians, library leaders, and professional organizations to raise awareness about impostor phenomenon and support our colleagues experiencing these feelings. We attempt to situate our recommendations within the context of potential barriers, such as white supremacy culture, the resilience narrative, and the lack of open communication in library organizations. 

scholarly journals Collection practices for nontraditional online resources among academic health sciences libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Shultz ◽  
Donna R. Berryman
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Academic Health ◽  
Small Organizations ◽  
Development Section ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Collection Practices

Objective: In recent years, individuals and small organizations have developed new online learning and information resources that are often marketed directly to students. In this study, these nontraditional online resources are defined as apps or other online resources that are not available through large and well-known publishers. The purposes of this study are to determine if academic health sciences libraries are licensing nontraditional online resources and to provide a snapshot of current collections practices in this area.Methods: An online survey was designed and distributed to the email lists of the Collection Development Section of the Medical Library Association and Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries directors. Follow-up phone interviews were conducted with survey participants who volunteered to be contacted.Results: Of the 58 survey respondents, 21 (36.2%) reported that their libraries currently licensed at least 1 nontraditional online resource, and 45 (77.6%) reported receiving requests for these types of resources. The resources listed by respondents included 50 unique titles. Of the 37 (63.8%) respondents whose library did not license nontraditional online resources, major barriers that were noted included a lack of Internet protocol (IP) authentication, licenses that charge per user, and affordable institutional pricing.Conclusions: Evaluation criteria for nontraditional online resources should be developed and refined, and these resources should be examined over time to determine their potential and actual use by students. There is a growing demand for many of these resources among students, but the lack of financial and access models that serve libraries’ needs is an obstacle to institutional licensing.

scholarly journals Academic health sciences libraries and affiliated hospitals: a conversation about licensing electronic resources

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy E. Allison ◽  
Bonita Bryan ◽  
Sandra G. Franklin ◽  
Leslie C. Schick
Keyword(s):  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Library Directors ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Academic Health ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Electronic Information Resources

Objective: Libraries in academic health centers may license electronic resources for their affiliated hospitals, as well as for their academic institutions. This study examined the current practices of member libraries of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) that provide affiliated hospitals with access to electronic information resources and described the challenges that the libraries experienced in providing access to the affiliated hospitals.Methods: In September 2016, AAHSL library directors received an email with a link to an online survey.Results: By December 2016, representatives from 60 AAHSL libraries responded. Two-thirds of the responding libraries supplied online information resources to more than 1 hospital, and 75% of these libraries provided the hospitals with access both on site and remotely. Most (69%) libraries licensed the same resource for both the academic institution and the hospitals. Cost, license negotiation, and communication with hospital stakeholders were commonly reported challenges.Conclusion: Academic health sciences libraries with affiliated hospitals continue to grapple with licensing and cost issues. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

scholarly journals Exploring interprofessional collaboration and attitudes of health sciences librarians

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel J. Hinrichs ◽  
Caitlin J. Bakker ◽  
Tara J. Brigham ◽  
Emily C. Ginier ◽  
Gregg A. Stevens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professional ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
Professional Careers ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Medical Library

Objective: This study assessed health sciences librarians’ attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration using the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) and gathered information on their involvement with interprofessional activities.Methods: The authors sent a survey to librarians in the Medical Library Association’s (MLA’s) Interprofessional Education Special Interest Group and Research Section consisting of the IEPS and questions about their prior and current experiences with interprofessional practice and education (IPE). We compared mean IEPS scores between each MLA group and several other demographic factors to assess differences in attitudes. We also compared librarians’ IEPS scores with those of previously published health professional students’ IEPS scores and thematically analyzed two open-ended questions.Results: Health sciences librarians’ scores on the IEPS indicated positive attitudes toward IPE. There were no statistically significant differences between any group. Health sciences librarians’ mean IEPS score was similar to the mean score of health professions students from a prior study. The most commonly reported interprofessional activity was teaching or facilitating learning activities for health professions students; fewer served on committees or engaged in non-curricular activities such as grand rounds and book clubs.Conclusion: Health sciences librarians in this study reported positive attitudes toward IPE, in line with the majority of other previously studied health professionals. Years of experience, previous health professional careers, and experience supporting IPE as a librarian had little bearing on the responses to the survey. This suggests that health sciences librarians have positive attitudes toward IPE, regardless of whether they directly support IPE programs or participate in interprofessional activities. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

scholarly journals Research engagement of health sciences librarians: a survey of research-related activities and attitudes

2016 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Lessick, MA, MLS, AHIP, FMLA ◽  
Carol Perryman, PhD ◽  
Brooke L. Billman, MA, AHIP ◽  
Kristine M. Alpi, MLS, MPH, AHIP ◽  
Sandra L. De Groote, MLIS, AHIP ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Published Research

Introduction: The extent to which health sciences librarians are engaged in research is a little-studied question. This study assesses the research activities and attitudes of Medical Library Association (MLA) members, including the influence of work affiliation.Methods: An online survey was designed using a combination of multiple-choice and open-ended questions and distributed to MLA members. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and significance testing. The authors used statistical tools and categorized openended question topics by the constant comparative method, also applying the broad subject categories used in a prior study. Pearson’s chi-square analysis was performed on responses to determine significant differences among respondents employed in three different institutional environments.Results: Analysis showed that 79% of respondents read research articles at least once a month; 58% applied published research studies to practice; 44% had conducted research; 62% reported acting on research had enhanced their libraries; 38% had presented findings; and 34% had authored research articles. Hospital librarians were significantly less likely than academic librarians to have participated in research activities. Highly ranked research benefits, barriers, and competencies of health sciences librarians are described.Conclusions: Findings indicate that health sciences librarians are actively engaged in research activities. Practice implications for practitioners, publishers, and stakeholders are discussed. Results suggest that practitioners can use published research results and results from their own research to affect practice decisions and improve services. Future studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings, including the need for intervention studies to increase research and writing productivity.

scholarly journals Reflective practice and health sciences librarians: engagement, benefits, and barriers

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolene M. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Discussion List ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Research Population ◽  
Reflective Practitioners

Objective: Reflective practice is common in nursing and other professions. In the published literature, there is very little about librarians’ use of reflective practice and no studies of health librarians’ use of reflective practice. This study examined the use of reflective practice among health sciences librarians, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to use.Methods: This cross-sectional study replicated the 2014 study by Greenall and Sen, using a version of their questionnaire. The research population in this study was health sciences librarians who were members of the MEDLIB-L email discussion list, Medical Library Association (MLA) chapter email discussion lists, and/or MLA section email discussion lists.Results: There were 106 librarians who completed the questionnaire, ranging from those new to the profession through midcareer to longtime librarians. While a high percentage of respondents considered themselves to be reflective practitioners (77%), a larger percentage (87%) reported that they consciously spent time reflecting. Respondents selected a wide variety of benefits of reflective practice, while barriers tended to center on lack of time, knowledge, skills, or experience.Conclusion: The diversity of benefits that respondents selected suggests that reflective practice can play an important positive role in librarians’ professional development. Reported barriers to reflective practice suggest that there is a need for educational opportunities to develop skills. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

scholarly journals Impostor Phenomenon in the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Landry ◽  
Dylan A. Bailey ◽  
MinJi Lee ◽  
Samuel Van Gundy ◽  
Audrey Ervin
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Impostor Phenomenon ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists ◽  
Prevention Methods ◽  
Nutrition And Dietetics

AbstractBackgroundImpostor phenomenon (IP) (also known as impostor syndrome) describes high-achieving individuals who, despite their objective successes, fail to internalize their accomplishments and have persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor. Despite robust literature describing the effects of IP in other health care professions, there is an absence of research within the nutrition and dietetics profession.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and predictors of IP within the nutrition and dietetics students and practitioners.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted.Participants/setting1,015 students, dietetic interns, and currently practicing and retired nutrition and dietetic technicians registered, and registered dietitian nutritionists provided complete responses.Main outcome measuresImpostor phenomenon was assessed with the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Self-reported Job satisfaction and well-being were assessed using validated scales.Statistical analysesDescriptive statistics were summarized and reported using frequency counts and percentages. Unadjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between IP and sociodemographic outcomes, job satisfaction, and well-being.ResultsRespondents were primarily female, non-Hispanic White, and practicing dietitians. The average CIPS score was 66.0 ± 16.3 (range 22-99). 64% of survey respondents (n=655) experience intense or frequent IP and 62% (n=628) had a CIPS score ≥62. Older age, educational attainment, professional level, and membership in Academy groups were associated with lower IP scores. Greater Social media use was associated with higher IP scores. Job satisfaction and overall well-being were inversely correlated with impostor phenomenon (p<0.001).ConclusionsFindings from an online survey suggest that a majority of nutrition and dietetics students and practitioners experience IP. Our results reinforce the need to recognize and address this issue by raising awareness, using early prevention methods, and supporting individuals who are younger and/or new to the profession.

scholarly journals Health sciences library leadership skills in an interprofessional landscape: a review and textual analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Capdarest-Arest ◽  
Jamie M. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Leadership Skill ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Mapping Review ◽  
Medical Libraries ◽  
Complex Landscape ◽  
The Impact

Academic medical libraries sit at the crossroads of the complex landscape of the health sciences. Medical librarians in these environments must navigate and lead endeavors and services that involve many professions. In addition to being excellent leaders in their own professions, medical librarians must also improve their skills in leading in an interprofessional context by informing themselves of the qualities and skills valued in connected professions. In this project, the authors set out to understand leadership principles from three professions closely affiliated with medical librarianship to identify a core interdisciplinary leadership skill set. To do so, we conducted a mapping review of the existing literature from the last five years around leadership in academic medicine, academic nursing, hospital administration, and medical librarianship to identify core leadership skills across the disciplines and discover potential differences. We used text analysis and descriptive analysis to extract skills that were mentioned and uncover trends in the identified literature. Modern medical librarians must extend their leadership beyond the internal library setting, particularly as they become more involved with connecting and collaborating with leaders across disciplines. To successfully navigate such an interdisciplinary landscape and enhance the impact of the library in the broader organization, it is important to have the skills and vocabulary of leadership across the various professions. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

scholarly journals Critical librarianship in health sciences libraries: an introduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker ◽  
Claire Sharifi
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Institutional Structures ◽  
One Step

The Medical Library Association recently announced its commitment to diversity and inclusion. While this is a positive start, critical librarianship takes the crucial concepts of diversity and inclusion one step further by advocating for social justice action and the dismantling of oppressive institutional structures, including white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism. Critical librarianship takes many forms but, at its root, is focused on interrogating and disrupting inequitable systems, including changing racist cataloging rules, creating student-driven information literacy instruction, supporting inclusive and ethical publishing models, and rejecting the notion of libraries as neutral spaces. This article presents examples of the application of critical practice in libraries as well as ideas for applying critical librarianship to the health sciences. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

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