Factors Influencing Librarians’ Career Shift Decision

Career shifts among librarians have become an important area of concern, yet limited attention has been given to the factors that influence librarians to pursue careers outside the library profession. This study examined the factors influencing librarians’ career shift decision toward other professions using a descriptive-regression research design. A total of 81 respondents were selected through purposive snowball sampling and answered a self-made questionnaire that underwent content validation and reliability testing. The data were analyzed using mean and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings showed that the respondents generally had a moderate to high level of career shift decision toward other professions. Among the five factors examined, personal aspirations emerged as the only statistically significant factor influencing librarians’ career shift decision. In contrast, job satisfaction, institutional changes, work-life balance, and limited professional growth opportunities did not have a significant direct influence on their decision to shift careers. Based on these findings, library administrators and managers are encouraged to provide career engagement opportunities, meaningful professional assignments, and developmental responsibilities that allow librarians to use their talents, pursue professional growth, and align their work with their career goals and personal aspirations.