The structure and experience of interim roles in academic health sciences libraries

• DOI: 10.5195/jmla.2025.1924
• Publication Date: 2025-04-18T20:37:55Z
• Authors: John W. Cyrus; Roy E. Brown; Emily J. Hurst; Rasha Alsaadawi; Roy Sabo
• Keywords: Interim; Preparedness; Exploratory research; Position (finance)

Objective: Interim leadership roles are commonly used in academic libraries to ensure continuity and oversight within the organization. can be rewarding but fraught with challenges, including assumption of responsibilities unstable environments, unclear expectations, poor organizational preparedness. This article presents findings from a survey librarian’s experiences serving interim positions. Methods: A was designed capture perceptions structure position experience leaders. It distributed via social media through health sciences library listservs. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics exploratory one-way ANOVA test for response differences between respondent sub-groups. Results: Fifty-four complete responses collected. Respondents predominantly White (89%) female (77%). Seventy percent respondents had worked 11-25 years. indicated that expected duration, transition plan role unclear. Policies procedures related lacking. agreed full authority acceptance given as part role. There statistically significant relating authority, retention, by gender race. Conclusions: Results show leaders adequate support, organizations not necessarily prepared leader, lacking policies, procedures, clear expectations position. Libraries better prepare future creating permanent structures policies facilitate into out leadership.