[My posting of 10/30 apparently did not get through...]
First - THANK YOU to all who responded by my questions. I had 28 very good
responses, some in great detail, plus several others who asked that I
summarize for the listserv. I added our current policy to the responses, so
am summarizing how salary and benefits are handled for part-time
professional librarians in 29 libraries. While there is much variation
between libraries, I found this very informative.
Three responses were from law schools. Two of these pay on an hourly
basis, one offering no benefits. The one that pays on a prorated basis
provides all benefits to the part-time librarian.
Two responses I put into an "other" category: a state agency and a
library network. Both of these pay on a prorated basis: one with no
benefits; the other, full benefits, though holiday pay was split between the
two who job-share.
Of the 24 law firms that responded, 10 pay a prorated salary. They
provide benefits, but at a prorated rate. Health benefits are typically
provided if the person works over the firm's minimum number of hours to qualify.
Fourteen firms pay on an hourly basis, though there was more
variation with benefits. Three provide all benefits (though one person
indicated that the health benefits offered were too expensive to use); five
prorate sick and vacation benefits, but provide no health benefits; two,
vacation, but no holiday or personal day pay; and four, no benefits. I
assume some of this variation may depend on how many hours the particular
individual who responded works.
Not everyone responded about whether these positions are considered
exempt. None of the law school libraries indicated the positions were
exempt; one of the two in the "other" category is exempt. Of the 10 firms
that pay a prorated salary, seven indicated the position is exempt; two of
the 14 firms who pay on an hourly basis consider the position exempt.
One comment was made by several who responded. It is much easier
(it's possible!) to persuade someone to work additional time (fill in for
sick or vacationing librarians, e5tc.) if the person is paid on an hourly basis.
I will also pass along information about a book that was recommended
to me. _Employee Benefits for Part-Timers_, 2d, by Diane S. Rothberg and
Barbara Ensor Cook (ISBN: 917449-03-7). This slim 1987 spiral-bound book
published by the Association of Part-Time Professionals, Inc. includes
examples of eleven sample benefits packages from a variety of companies and
institutions (the closest to law libraries are five government examples). I
borrowed it, but have not had a chance to examine it in more detail.
I will be glad to respond to additional individual questions about
this information.
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Susan P. Siebers
Director of Library & Information Services
Katten Muchin & Zavis
525 W. Monroe, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60661
312-902-5675
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