The Changing Profile of University Library Directors, 1966-1981

Characteristics of directors of ARL academic libraries in 1966 and 1981 were compared to gauge the degree of change that occurred at the highest levels of university libraries. In both years directors were predominantly middle-aged male graduates of liberal arts programs. Significant differences were observed, however, in the directors' regions of origin, library education, additional graduate degrees, and career patterns. This evidence suggests that competition for directorships has intensified because of an enlarged pool of potential candidates.