ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries


Ranking Structure Instituted 
in Duke Libraries

On May 28, 1974, the Duke University Li­
brarians’ Assembly formally approved the pro­
posals of the Committee on Professional Staff 
Structure defining a ranking structure for Duke 
librarians, with mechanisms for implementation 
and for increased staff participation in library 
governance. The four documents which com­
prise the committee’s report“ grew out of a 
two-year study of developments in other uni­
versity libraries, as well as extensive discussions 
with members of the Duke staff, library and 
university administrations, and knowledgeable 
members of the profession outside the Duke 
community. After receiving the endorsement 
of the assembly and the library administration, 
the documents were submitted by university 
librarian Benjamin E. Powell to the provost for 
his approval, with implementation beginning 
in July.

Basic to the philosophy of the new structure 
is the idea that rank adheres to the individual 
rather than the position. The result is a ranking 
of persons rather than a classification of posi­
tions. Thus nonadministrative, as well as ad­
ministrative, merit and accomplishment can be 
recognized and rewarded.

Under the new structure there will be four 
ranks whose titles are, in ascending order, as­
sistant librarian, senior assistant librarian, asso­
ciate librarian, and librarian. Each librarian will 
have a position title and a ranking title, e.g., 
subject cataloger with rank of senior assistant 
librarian. All librarians who do not hold faculty 
rank will have a librarian rank. To avoid con­
fusion with the ranking titles, the upper admin-

* Criteria for Appointment of Professional 
Librarians, Ranking Structure for Duke Librari­
ans, Committee on Appointment and Promo­
tion, and Duke University Librarians’ Assembly.

ACRL Membership
August 31, 1974 ................. ............... 13,497
August 31, 1973 ................. ............... 12,633
August 31, 1972 ................. ............... 11,899

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istrative titles will be designated assistant uni­
versity librarian, associate university librarian, 
and university librarian. Broadly stated, the cri­
teria for promotion in rank are a high quality 
of performance in the area of the librarian’s re­
sponsibility; professional and academic achieve­
ment; and dedication to librarianship and par­
ticipation in larger university affairs.

In accordance with the bylaws of the univer­
sity, appointments and promotions of profes­
sional librarians are made by the provost, with 
the approval of the president, upon recom­
mendation by the university librarian, the li­
brarian of the School of Law, and the director 
of the Medical Center Library. In the Perkins 
system ( all Duke libraries except Law and 
Medicine), ranking and promotion will be de­
termined by a combination of peer evaluation 
and administrative/supervisory evaluation. Since 
July 1972 an ad hoc Credentials Committee has 
reviewed and certified the credentials of new 
professional appointees. More recently an ad 
hoc Ranking Committee has reviewed the vitas 
and evaluations of the entire professional staff 
and made recommendations to the university 
librarian on the initial ranks, which became ef­
fective in July 1974. In October a Committee 
on Appointment and Promotion, selected by the 
Librarians’ Assembly, will take the place of the 
ad hoc committees, combining both functions 
in a single peer review committee. Final au­
thority within the library for appointment and 
promotion decisions continues to rest with the 
university librarian.

The Medical Center librarians have adopted 
the ranking structure and will participate in all 
aspects of the assembly except the Committee 
on Appointment and Promotion. Ranks will be 
administratively determined within that system. 
The Law librarians have decided at the present 
time to participate in neither the ranking struc­
ture nor the assembly.

Inaugurated in December 1973, the Librari­
ans’ Assembly with its three standing commit­
tees— Executive, Appointment and Promotion, 
and Professional Affairs—will help to imple­
ment the structure and provide an additional 
means of staff participation in library govern­
ance and university affairs. Through its com­
mittees or acting as a whole, it will channel 
staff input on professional appointments and 
promotions, encourage continuing education 
and professional growth, recommend policies 
and procedures concerning the libraries, and 
assist in maintaining high standards of librari­
anship. ■  ■