Sexual harassment at University of California Libraries: Understanding the experiences of library staff members

Abstract

In the first study measuring sexual harassment experiences of academic library employees at a single institution, we conducted a census of 1,610 non-student employees at the 10-campus University of California Libraries system. This anonymous online survey measured how sexual harassment was experienced and observed in terms of behaviors, exhibitors, reporting and disclosure, institutional support and betrayal, and recommendations for future actions. Out of 579 respondents, 54% experienced and/or observed sexual harassment at work. Respondents recommended training, workplace culture change, support from leadership, and clear reporting processes in order to address sexual harassment at University of California Libraries.

Sexual Harassment at University of California Libraries: Understanding the Experiences of Library Staff Members

“…We created visual representations of our study results on a website to share with our colleagues, which can be found at https://uclibraries.wixsite.com/shstudy. 15…”

Against sexual harassment in workplace as seen in Bombshell movie (2019)

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Can Respectful Employees Create Equitable Institutions? Promoting a Culture of Respect in the Higher Education Workplace

“…While anti-sexual harassment training programs have proliferated, little has changed in reporting rates or the types of harassing behaviors experienced in universities (Kirkner et al, 2020, p. 2; NASEM, 2018). Some studies find that more than 50% of women employed in academia have experienced or witnessed behaviors that meet the definition of sexual harassment (Barr–Walker et al, 2020; Ilies et al, 2003). Yet, employees are highly unlikely to report these experiences through official channels (Kirkner et al, 2020; NASEM, 2018).…”