In the May issue of Library Worklife, the survey asked you how long you thought it would take to eliminate the wage gap in the U.S. between men and women. Respondents were also asked whether it would take less, the same, or more time within librarianship.

Based on the perceptions of 303 readers, the outlook is less than sunny.

Question 1: The wage gap between men and women is as much as 60 cents for women for every dollar a man earns, according to some research. How long will it take to close this gap?

Response 1: The 37% of readers answered that the wage gap would continue infinitely. The majority (65%) felt it would take at least 25 years for the gap between women’s and men’s wages to close.

Question 2: Will it take less/more/same time within librarianship?

Response 2: Most respondents (57%) felt that librarianship would reap the benefits of the closed gap in the same or less time than the rest of the U.S. However, note that not only are a great number of readers convinced that it will take a minimum of several decades to close the gap, 42% are of the impression that the closed gap will be delayed within the profession.

It Pays to Be a Man in Most Jobs

By Genaro C. Armas, Associated Press Writer

June 3, 2004

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are only two jobs where women earn more than men - hazardous waste removal and telecommunications line installation and repair. In three, the earnings are equal - meeting and convention planners, dining room or cafeteria workers, and construction trade helpers.

Evidence from Census 2000 about earnings by detailed occupation for men and women.

Copyright 2004–2008 ALA-APA. Contact Jenifer Grady, 50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-280-2424, jgrady@ala.org for more information.