Managing without tenure

Abstract

This qualitative collective case study explores the experiences of six women middle managers in academic libraries who were promoted to leadership roles before achieving tenure. It examines how they balance faculty and managerial responsibilities, navigate gendered workplace dynamics, and respond to broader institutional pressures. Findings reveal significant tensions between faculty expectations and administrative duties, particularly for those leading teaching-focused units, where mentorship and student-centered work are devalued compared to research enterprise. The study also highlights the emotional labor of managing teams while pursuing tenure and the lack of clear evaluation criteria for managerial responsibilities in the promotion process. Implications include the need for clearer evaluation guidelines, greater representation of library managers on tenure committees, and stronger mentorship for untenured middle managers. This research contributes to understanding the intersection of faculty status, gender, and management in academic librarianship.