Academic Librarians Caucus Launches Open Database to Support Promotion and Tenure Efforts

Submitted by: Michelle Zafron

Finding individuals to write letters of support for personnel actions such as promotion and/or tenure can be a difficult task. After hearing Academic Librarians Caucus (ALC) members request a resource to assist with this, we decided to create a database for those willing to write letters to better support those in their promotion and tenure journeys. 

Our goal was to design a resource that as many people as possible could access. We also wanted low-barrier access so that it was not necessary to create an account or login to the resource. The final requirements were that it needed to be free and provide enough data storage to accommodate all of the entries. We chose the free version of Airtable as it provides the necessary functionality to set up and maintain the list. Once we created the database and entry forms, we conducted usability testing to work out any kinks. The project debuted at the ALC business meeting in April. 

ALC could not have completed this project without Kathryn Houk. She was ably assisted by Alexandria Wilson and Jocelyn Swick-Jemison.

Instructions, links, and READ ME documentation are now available on Open Science Framework to any MLA member. We encourage MLA members willing to write letters of support to contribute their details to the database and to spread the word.