At the fringes of academia: The impact of intersectionality on the work experiences of Black women academic librarians

Barnes, Kristen

Item

At the fringes of academia: The impact of intersectionality on the work experiences of Black women academic librarians

Barnes, Kristen

Date

2025-08-04

Abstract

Black women remain significantly underrepresented across academia, and recent headlines have brought attention to the distinct and often challenging experiences of Black women leaders in higher education. While scholars have examined the experiences of Black women in faculty roles, leadership, and student affairs, little attention has been paid to those working as academic librarians. This group holds a unique position within the university setting, managing information resources and promoting information literacy among students, faculty, and staff. However, their experiences are often overlooked in academic research. This study seeks to fill a critical gap in the literature to apply an intersectional lens grounded in Black feminist thought to explore the work lives of Black women academic librarians. This qualitative study explores how the intersection of race and gender influences the work experiences of Black women serving in academic librarian roles at four-year colleges and universities in Texas. Using the Sista Circle methodology, a culturally relevant approach that centers the voices of Black women, this study engaged participants in group discussions to examine their lived experiences. Thematic analysis of the data revealed eleven themes and one subtheme, organized around three guiding research questions. These questions focused on the nature of their daily work experiences, whether their professional positioning within the broader university contributed to additional challenges, and what forms of institutional support could help improve retention and workplace satisfaction. Findings revealed that many participants were often the only Black person or the only Black woman in their library or department. Being mistaken for support staff, encountering persistent microaggressions, and navigating hostile or unwelcoming work environments was frequently reported. Participants also described limited opportunities for professional growth, institutional gatekeeping, and unequal access to advancement. Despite these challenges, they offered thoughtful recommendations for improving their work environments, including equitable pay, inclusive hiring practices, and increased access to identity-based professional organizations. The study highlights the ongoing impact of gendered racism in academic spaces and confirms that intersectionality plays a significant role in shaping the work experiences of Black women academic librarians. The findings point to a recurring cycle of marginalization and exclusion that reflects broader patterns of inequality in higher education. This research contributes to ongoing conversations about equity in academia and offers practical recommendations for university and library leaders seeking to support and retain Black women in these important roles.