Using a serial multiple-mediator SEM model to demonstrate the effect of program preparation, professional development opportunities, and comfort with technology on retention of BIPOC librarians

Abstract

To explain the mechanisms that influence Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) librarians' intent to leave the profession, a serial multiple-mediator structural equation model (SEM) analysis was applied to an existing dataset (Workforce Issues in Library and Information Science 2). According to the results, both professional development opportunities and comfort with technology demonstrated significant negative direct and indirect associations with their intent to leave via an indirect path of job satisfaction. Also, combined with the perceived benefits of the graduate program via indirect paths, both professional development opportunities and comfort with technology contributed to the significant negative total effects on the intent to leave. This study provides empirical support to promote professional development opportunities and encourage comfort with technology as ways to improve the retention of BIPOC librarians.