Viewing BIPOC Librarian Retention Through the Lens of Psychological Safety

The historical struggles to recruit and retain Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) librarians in the United States have been well documented. Despite multiple initiatives focused on recruitment, the proportion of these librarians remains low. This work explores the retention of BIPOC librarians through the lens of psychological safety and reports findings from the interview component of a larger sequential explanatory mixed methods study. Interviews were conducted with 20 librarians from diverse backgrounds who were considering changing jobs or leaving the field. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively, using psychological safety as a lens for deductive analysis. Findings indicate that retention is related to structural aspects of the work, and hinges on a complex mix of factors in which salaries and benefits are essential but must be tied to pathways for career advancement, options for work flexibility, and respect for the human. Libraries would benefit from a holistic approach to retention that leverages financial aspects with enhancement of psychological safety aspects including leadership relationships, supportive work environments, and increased work autonomy for employees.