Archivists at Work: Stress and Mood Effects in a Gendered Profession
Although much has been written about both the gendering of the archival profession and how gender impacts work in society, empirical data are insufficient to document how they combine to specifically influence archivists and archival work. This study examines gender differences as a factor in individual and work-site characteristics of archivists. Six central questions are used to explore the role of gender in the intensity or stressfulness of work, organizational climate where archival work is done, administrative support for archivists, and mood. Methodology, results, and suggestions for future research are presented.ABSTRACT
Contributor Notes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Chinery is the reference archivist at the Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, where she manages manuscript reference services. She received an MA in history, an MLIS, and an Archival Administration Certificate from Wayne State University, and a BA in history from Adrian College. Chinery's research activity includes women's labor history, twentieth-century Detroit social and political movements, and the work climate of archivists.
Rita J. Casey is a faculty member in clinical and developmental psychology at Wayne State University, with expertise in child and adolescent emotional development. She received a BS, two MAs, and a PhD from the University of Texas. Casey's research areas include the mental health of persons who care for or teach children, the role of social-emotional curricula on the academic adjustment of children, and new interventions for adults who have difficulty with depressive symptoms.