Resilience as Resistance: Building a Sustainable Library Career during Political Polarization
Abstract
The contemporary landscape for new librarians in the United States is characterized by a volatile
intersection of systemic professional inequities and a hostile political climate. This paper examines the
intersection of persistent gendered stereotypes, the significant lack of diversity within the field, and
unrealistic expectations and standards, which can negatively impact the emotional and mental wellbeing
of early-career librarians. Additionally, the current political climate in the United States has
increased threats to intellectual freedom, library funding, and information access. This only
exacerbates existing pressures while necessitating increased advocacy and resilience. Drawing upon
existing literature and current events, this paper argues that well-established techniques for combating
burnout, imposter syndrome, and
intersection of systemic professional inequities and a hostile political climate. This paper examines the
intersection of persistent gendered stereotypes, the significant lack of diversity within the field, and
unrealistic expectations and standards, which can negatively impact the emotional and mental wellbeing
of early-career librarians. Additionally, the current political climate in the United States has
increased threats to intellectual freedom, library funding, and information access. This only
exacerbates existing pressures while necessitating increased advocacy and resilience. Drawing upon
existing literature and current events, this paper argues that well-established techniques for combating
burnout, imposter syndrome, and