Money talk: Compensation practices and experiences of Library and Information Science professionals in Indonesia

Most job advertisements in Indonesia exclude compensation information, except for government roles with fixed pay scales. Limited visibility creates uncertainty about fair pay outside government employment, especially within the niche profession of library and information science (LIS). This exploratory study examines compensation patterns and experiences of compensation practices among LIS professionals working in non-government sectors in Indonesia. An anonymous online survey gathered data through multiple choice items on salary and benefits, alongside open-ended questions on lived experiences. Responses were provided by 205 LIS professionals employed in non-government sectors across Indonesia. The findings informed a proposed Compensation Experience Framework for LIS Professionals, integrating reported compensation patterns with seven interrelated themes describing compensation practices and employment conditions. These themes include experiencing inequitable compensation conditions, restricted compensation negotiations, low professional standing, unclear career pathways and role boundaries, low job satisfaction, contemplating leaving, and advocating the LIS profession. Beyond advancing theoretical understanding, dissemination of these findings supports evidence-based professional discourse and practice. The study provides an evidence base for advocacy on compensation conditions among LIS professionals in Indonesia, grounded in reported lived experiences and supporting informed sector level discussion relevant to workforce sustainability and equity.