Bridging the leadership gap: The role of mentorship in advancing African American librarians in health sciences

Abstract

This study investigates the role of mentorship in shaping the leadership trajectories and professional success of African American academic health sciences librarians who were holding dean, director, or other significant leadership roles. By employing a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews, this research highlights the impact of both formal and informal mentoring relationships on career progression, leadership development, and overall job satisfaction. It also exposes challenges in accessing mentorship, particularly those related to racial and cultural representation, as well as systemic barriers within the profession. The findings underscore the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible mentorship programs tailored to the unique experiences of African American leaders in the library field. Moreover, the study offers recommendations to strengthen these initiatives, emphasizing the critical importance of mentorship in cultivating a diverse and representative leadership pipeline within academic libraries. These insights are valuable for library leaders aiming to enhance leadership development and career advancement strategies within their institutions.