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SURVEY RESULTS

SPEC Kit 320: Core Benefits · 11
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
In 2009, ARL surveyed member libraries on sick, vacation, and holiday leave, and financial support and leave
for professional development, employee education and training, and internships—benefits over which library
administrators would typically have some plan design authority. This survey investigated the core employment
benefits of retirement, and life, health, and other insurance—benefits that are typically decided by the parent
institution and often have significant governmental regulation. The survey was conducted between March 9
and April 23, 2010. Fifty-six of the 124 ARL member libraries completed the survey for a response rate of 45%.
Benefits Offered and Eligibility
The survey began by asking whether retirement, life and/or accidental death and dismemberment (ADD)
insurance, or health insurance were offered to library employees. All 56 respondents indicated that retirement
benefits and health insurance were offered. All but one indicated life and/or ADD insurance were offered.
Respondents were asked to report the minimum number of hours per week library staff members must work
to qualify for the benefit and the minimum number of months of employment a new library staff member must
work in order to become eligible.
Retirement
Twenty hours per week was the most commonly reported minimum number of hours required to qualify for
retirement benefits (20 of 54 respondents or 37%). Ten respondents (19%) indicated the employee must work 30
hours or more per week (.75 FTE or greater) to qualify. Eight (15%) indicated no minimum hours per week to
qualify. Thirty-nine of 55 respondents (71%) indicated no minimum service period for retirement benefits eli-
gibility. Ten (18%) indicated minimum service periods for eligibility of 12 months or less. Only six (11%) require
more than one year of service for eligibility.
Life and/or ADD Insurance
Twenty hours per week was the most commonly reported minimum number of hours required to qualify for
life and/or ADD insurance (21 of 53 respondents or 40%). Nine respondents (17%) indicated the employee must
work 30 hours or more per week (.75 FTE or greater) to qualify. Nine others indicated no minimum hours per
week to qualify. Forty-two of 53 respondents (79%) indicated no minimum service period for life and/or ADD
insurance eligibility. Eight (15%) indicated minimum service periods of 12 months or less for eligibility. Only
three (6%) require more than one year of service for eligibility.
Health Insurance
Twenty hours per week was the most commonly reported minimum number of hours required to qualify for
health insurance (22 of 54 respondents or 41%). Nine respondents (17%) indicated the employee must work 30