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

74%

15%

12% 4%

0.90%

National Representation

White

Latino

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

48%

2%5%

Ph.D. Students (n=815)

WhiteLatinoAfrican Am.

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)

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Nation Faculty

74%79%

15%

3%12%

6%

WhiteLatinoAfrican American

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

79%

3%6%

Faculty (n=726)

WhiteLatinoAfrican Am.

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

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?