Together We Thrive: Assessment Report on Employee Retention in Ohio’s Librarian Workforce

From October 2023 to July 2024, OhioNet engaged external consultants to conduct an assessment exploring the retention of Ohio’s librarian workforce, with a focus on librarians from underrepresented communities. Collaborating with a team of six inclusive leadership library practitioners, including librarians from underrepresented communities and allies, they developed and conducted an inquiry-led assessment across OhioNet member libraries to explore retention across the librarian workforce.

Recognizing the significant harm caused by racism, inequity, and exclusion, along with the negative effects of tokenism, bias, and systemic gaps, the assessment noted that current approaches to inclusive excellence—primarily focused on addressing system dysfunction and raising awareness of systemic racism through employee learning and development—have achieved limited success and yielded mixed results. As a result, the consulting team adopted a new approach centered on positive organizational development. This approach integrates appreciative inquiry, inclusive excellence, and elements of intentional change theory, moving the conversation toward a strengths-based, human-centric, and relational model.

Using this approach, 40 Ohio librarians from historically underrepresented communities were interviewed to identify which organizational practices were driving meaningful and transformative change in their careers. As a result, three interdependent areas of focus emerged: (1) Empowering All Librarians to Thrive, (2) Unleashing Potential through Inclusive Libraries, and (3) Embracing the Energy in Difference. The consulting team developed vision statements and best practices for each area, describing an ideal future where libraries meaningfully integrate impactful organizational practices that enable all to thrive. These vision statements were then explored and further refined during three “dream summits” (one in-person and two virtual), which were attended by over 100 librarians from across Ohio.

We invite you to explore the full report to learn more about the findings and how they can shape a more equitable future for Ohio libraries.