ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

Library faculty workload: Implementation of a teaching faculty model

The issue of developing an appropriate model for library faculty workload has often been difficult and contentious at many universities. Western Illinois University (WIU) Libraries has addressed this concern in an approach that differs from the traditional structured clerical workweek. All campus faculty are issued workload guidelines that include both the traditional classroom as well as performance and activity classes (e.g., physical education, art and music studio instruction) that vary in size and preparation demands.

For both performance and activity classes, the usual model has been taken from the National Association of Schools of Music which emphasizes a 2:3 ratio for private lessons, i.e., two hours of classroom instruction is equated with three hours of private instruction. At WIU this equals up to 18 assigned hours plus four office hours. This same model is also applied to the library faculty. As with teaching faculty, research and service requirements are conducted outside any teaching or primary duties assignment.

A more detailed explanation of this model is provided in ERIC (ED 385291). Other questions can be answered by writing to Frank Wm. Goudy at Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455; (309) 298-2749.—Frank Wm. Goudy, Western Illinois University