The ALISE 2016 Conference theme of “Radical Change: Inclusion and Innovation” celebrates the far reaching impact of Eliza T. Dresang’s work. The conference welcomes contributions that explore inclusive practices and innovative strategies in teaching and research, with special interest for Cultural Diversity, Digital Societies, Intellectual Freedom, Social Justice and International Resources.
Our logo for the conference is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. This is a great symbol of radical change and transformation. Although the caterpillar and the butterfly exist in the same environment, each has its own perception and understanding of the world. As the caterpillar prepares for transformation, it must build the chrysalis, which acts as protection and change agent. When the radical change is completed, the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis into a new world, one of amazing potential and opportunity. The radical transformation and change allows the caterpillar to move beyond its small environment as a beautiful butterfly excited and ready to see and learn about its brave new world.
Contingent faculty now make up the majority of the LIS instructional workforce, teaching close to 70% of courses in many ALA-accredited LIS programs. The literature reflects similar trends across higher education, and is raising awareness of the detrimental impact of low pay, precarious employment, and poor working conditions experienced by many adjuncts. Some institutions have made progress in ameliorating some of these problems, but the dialogue in LIS seems to be stymied by differing perceptions and unanswered questions. This session seeks to open the conversation by exploring some of the most critical issues: 1) Who are adjuncts, and how do we define them? 2) What are the existing compensation ranges and working conditions? 3) What impact does the institutional context of policies and guidelines have on the use of adjuncts? and 4) What are the implications of the growth of online learning, unbundling of teaching tasks, and shifting priorities in research and instruction? Presenters on this panel discuss these trends incorporating results of the 2014 Survey of Contingent Faculty in LIS and fall 2015 interviews with deans and directors of LIS programs.
