Recruitment and retention challenges in Southeastern US academic libraries

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify challenges to recruitment and retention in academic libraries in the southeastern United States and to identify possible solutions that can be shared with other academic library recruiters. Design/methodology/approach This study reports on a survey of academic library administrators that investigated the challenges to recruitment and retention in academic libraries in the southeastern United States after the pandemic. Findings The study demonstrates that elements of the workplace, such as compensation, diversity efforts, work arrangement accommodations and external factors, impact recruitment and retention. Originality/value This study broadens the current research on recruitment and retention in academic libraries by bringing the experiences of rural and small libraries to the foreground and positing regional perspectives on library employment.