Keeping the Flame Alive: Burnout Coping Strategies and Support Needs among American Academic Librarians

While there have been many previous studies about burnout within academic librarianship, there is a gap in research about how administrators support librarians experiencing these symptoms. This article discusses the author’s survey of American academic librarians experiencing burnout, including their coping strategies, how they feel they are being supported by their institutions, and the measures that are still needed. While academic librarians may be attempting to cope with burnout on their own, they are often lacking sufficient support from their administrators. This article offers recommendations for library administrators seeking to better support the mental health of their employees.