Sex-disaggregated Data and Gender Stereotype Issues in the Workplace: The Nueva Ecija Academic Librarians' Experience

Abstract

A study on gender stereotypes experienced by academic librarians can significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality in the academic library environment. In this light, this study sought to examine the stereotype issues that persist in academic libraries in the Philippines in the hope of offering recommendations in order to promote gender equality and build a positive image of librarianship. The quantitative method was utilized to collect sex-disaggregated data on academic librarians in Nueva Ecija, and the phenomenological qualitative method was used to gain insights on the narratives about their stereotyped experiences in the workplace. Results show that male and female academic librarians experienced various stereotypes on their physical appearance and job role. These come from their clientele, which include students, co-workers, and administrators. The majority of academic librarians claimed that despite coming across unfavorable assumptions at work, they maintain positive attitudes towards work. The study offers implications of the findings that can address stereotypes and which can serve as catalyst for image rebuilding of librarians towards inclusivity in the workplace.