| The purpose of the study was to collect the perceptions of job satisfaction (general, intrinsic, and extrinsic) of library directors in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) during the 1992-1993 academic year. The study addressed the importance of selected factors related to the position with regard to perceptions of job satisfaction.;The review of literature revealed that ARL library director job satisfaction, as indicated by turnover, was a concern in the United States and Canada. Factors in the working environment contributed to ARL library director burnout and turnover.;Data were collected through the use of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form (MSQ) and a demographic survey form sent to all 120 ARL library directors during the 1992-1993 academic year. Ninety-two questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 77 percent.;Analysis of the data found that ARL library directors, when compared with the MSQ normative group, were less satisfied with their jobs. Female ARL library directors were more satisfied with their jobs than male ARL library directors. ARL library directors were most satisfied with the opportunity for variety, for keeping busy, and for ability utilization. ARL library directors were least satisfied with policy implementation, advancement opportunities, and recognition. Years of experience as an ARL library director was found to have a negative relationship with job satisfaction. Tenure in present position, age, staff, materials budget, and salary were affirmed as having a positive relationship with ARL library director job satisfaction.;Recommendations to emerge from the study included the need for the administrators of ARL institutions to review the study findings in order to improve the recruitment, working conditions, and retention of ARL library directors. Library schools should review the study results in order to better prepare future ARL library directors. Prospective ARL library directors should consider the study findings in determining whether to choose the ARL library directorship as a career. |
