Document Type
Article
Publication Title
SAA Research Forum
Publication Date
Winter 2-25-2025
Keywords
impostor phenomenon, impostor syndrome, archivists, library science, professional development, professional identity
Abstract
In December 2022, members of the College and University Archives Section of the Society of American Archivists conducted a survey that examined the prevalence of impostor phenomenon (IP) among archivists. This study, the first to specifically focus on archivists, measures the prevalence of IP in the professional archival community. Using demographic data and the Clance Survey, the authors seek to identify factors that may lead to increased IP in archivists. This paper will review literature related to IP in the information sciences profession, detail the survey results, and suggest personal approaches and workplace initiatives to combat the phenomenon.
Funding Source
Illinois State University Research Grant, funded Spring 2023
Recommended Citation
Anderson-Zorn, April K.; Cole, Tiffany; Flinn, Taylor; and LaBarbara, Jane, "Beyond ‘Fake it ‘till you make it’: Impostor Phenomenon in Archivists" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library. 251.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/fpml/251
