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Transforming the Job Market for Library and Information Science PhDs in China: An Empirical Study from an Alternative Academic (Alt-Ac) Perspective.

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Title: Transforming the Job Market for Library and Information Science PhDs in China: An Empirical Study from an Alternative Academic (Alt-Ac) Perspective.
Authors: Tian, Ye1 d09126004@ntu.edu.tw, Zhang, Jingbei2 libranking@gmail.com
Source: College & Research Libraries. Mar2026, Vol. 87 Issue 2, p195-215. 21p.
Subject Terms: *Information science education, *Library education, *Doctor of philosophy degree, Labor market
Geographic Terms: China
Abstract: This study investigated the transformation of the library and information science (LIS) doctoral job market in China from an alternative academic (Alt-Ac) perspective. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed supply and demand dynamics, based on data from 21 LIS programs and 10,331 job postings. The findings revealed a rapid expansion of LIS doctoral education, with an increasing enrollment in firstlevel disciplines and self-established interdisciplinary second-level disciplines. On the demand side, Alt-Ac positions showed significant growth across diverse institutional settings, requiring skills in data analysis, research methodology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These results underscore the growing viability of Alt-Ac careers for LIS doctoral graduates and the need for programs to adapt curricula accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of College & Research Libraries is the property of American Library Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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PubType: Academic Journal
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Tian%2C+Ye%22">Tian, Ye</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><i> d09126004@ntu.edu.tw</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Zhang%2C+Jingbei%22">Zhang, Jingbei</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> libranking@gmail.com</i>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22College+%26+Research+Libraries%22">College & Research Libraries</searchLink>. Mar2026, Vol. 87 Issue 2, p195-215. 21p.
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  Data: This study investigated the transformation of the library and information science (LIS) doctoral job market in China from an alternative academic (Alt-Ac) perspective. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed supply and demand dynamics, based on data from 21 LIS programs and 10,331 job postings. The findings revealed a rapid expansion of LIS doctoral education, with an increasing enrollment in firstlevel disciplines and self-established interdisciplinary second-level disciplines. On the demand side, Alt-Ac positions showed significant growth across diverse institutional settings, requiring skills in data analysis, research methodology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These results underscore the growing viability of Alt-Ac careers for LIS doctoral graduates and the need for programs to adapt curricula accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of College & Research Libraries is the property of American Library Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 21
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      – SubjectFull: Information science education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Library education
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      – SubjectFull: Doctor of philosophy degree
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      – SubjectFull: Labor market
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      – SubjectFull: China
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: Transforming the Job Market for Library and Information Science PhDs in China: An Empirical Study from an Alternative Academic (Alt-Ac) Perspective.
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              Text: Mar2026
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