Defining the Virtuous Circle:
Discussing the Need to Increase
iSchool Doctoral Student Diversity
Dr. Renee E. Franklin, Syracuse University &
Dr. Paul T. Jaeger, University of Maryland
By the Numbers: Race/Ethnicity
National Representation
0.90%
12%
4%
White
15%
Latino
74%
African Am.
Asian
AI/AN /OPI
U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder, 2005-07 American Community Survey: http//factfinder.census.gov
Percentage Comparison of Nation &
All IS/LIS Ph.D. Students
U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder, 2005-07 American Community Survey: http//factfinder.census.gov, ALISE Statistical Report, 2004
Latino, African American
LIS/IS Ph.D. Student Enrollment
Ph.D. Students (n=815)
2%
5%
White
Latino
African Am.
48%
ALISE Statistical Report, 2004
Comparison of Nation & All
IS/LIS Faculty
U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder, 2005-07 American Community Survey: http//factfinder.census.gov, ALISE Statistical Report, 2004
Comparison of Nation & IS/LIS Faculty
(White, Latino, African American)
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
79%
74%
White
Latino
African American
15% 12%
3%
Nation
6%
Faculty
U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder, 2005-07 American Community Survey: http//factfinder.census.gov, ALISE Statistical Report, 2004
Representation of White, Latino, &
African American Faculty
Faculty (n=726)
3%
6%
White
Latino
African Am.
79%
ALISE Statistical Report, 2004
Significance of the Issue
• Statistical projections suggest that the number
of racial/ethnic minorities will increase greatly
in the coming years
• It is essential that steps are taken to make the
representation of races/ethnicities in doctoral
programs more proportionate to national
numbers
WHAT CAN
iSCHOOLS DO?
Consider the
Virtuous Circle!
The Virtuous Circle
Culturally
aware
information
workforce
Diverse
doctoral
population
Culturally
aware
Bachelor’s &
Master’s
students
Diverse faculty
&
administration
Diverse doctoral
population
OUTCOMES
Culturally aware
information
workforce
Diverse &
inclusive
information
services/
professions
Culturally aware
Bachelor’s &
Master’s students
Diverse faculty &
administration
Implications for the
Future of Doctoral Education
STUDENTS
• Increased population of diverse iSchool
students
– Heightened awareness of factors that affect
African Americans’ & Latinos’ (and other ethnic
groups’) decision to pursue doctoral studies
– New & improved recruitment & retention
methods/tools
Implications Continued
iSCHOOLS
• Creation of a larger, more diverse pool of potential
faculty
– Inclusion of diverse research ideas & perspectives
– Insights to share with other fields
– Role models whose presence encourages interest
from diverse students
Implications Continued
UNIVERSITIES
• Colleges/universities with higher diversity
increasingly highly regarded
Implications Continued
iWORKFORCE
• Creation of a more diverse and culturally
aware information workforce
– More opportunities for ethnically diverse
employers and employees
– Corporations that encourage diversity often are
highly successful
Implications continued
…and Beyond
• Increased acceptance of and opportunities for
other “underrepresented” groups
– Individuals with disabilities
– Individuals who identify as LGBT
– Individuals who are socioeconomically
disadvantaged
Thank you!!
Questions? Comments?