Analyzing Changes in Work-from-home Policies for Academic Medical and Health Science Librarians

Objective

This study investigates work from home (WFH) employment policies at Association of Academic Health Science Libraries (AAHSL) institutions in the United States through a survey of library directors or other senior administrators. The purpose of the study was to gather information about WFH policies prior to and during the COVID-19, including the current state of such policies, to provide context for libraries leaders making decisions about remote and hybrid work as we shift to a new phase of the pandemic.

Methods

Researchers sent a 15-question Qualtrics survey to the AAHSL email list. Questions probed the prevalence of WFH policies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of such policies; how those policies are created; and what the future of such policies might be. Researchers also examined the impact of WFH policies on morale, productivity, and recruitment and retention of staff. The survey also allowed respondents to upload or link to institutional WFH policies. The survey was open for three weeks with a reminder sent prior to the final week. After closing the survey, the data were analyzed in Qualtrics.

Results

Of 73 responses, 71 met inclusion criteria (director/senior administrator in a US academic health sciences library) for a response rate of 40.8% (based on 173 US members of AAHSL). Responses came from every region of the country and from both public (36) and private (31) institutions. 70% of respondents indicated that pre-COVID, fully remote or hybrid work arrangements were either not allowed or limited to temporary/special cases. In contrast, over 70% of respondents indicated their institutions currently allow remote or hybrid work and most indicated these arrangements were likely to continue. Libraries reporting to a College of Medicine administration reported the highest likelihood of continuing flexible arrangements; those reporting to a university library system reported the lowest. Results also indicated that WFH policies had a positive impact on employee morale and retaining librarians.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on remote work in academic medical and health science libraries. Fully remote and hybrid work options will likely continue for some health science library employees. These arrangements appear to increase employee morale and encourage retention of librarians. Remote or hybrid work may be an important incentive in attracting and retaining talented librarians.