Managing stress among library staff in public university libraries in Ghana
Date
2017-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
The study aimed at investigating the causes and effects of stress encountered
by library staff of University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology and University of Cape Coast and the various
strategies adopted by such staff to combat stress in their workplaces. Using the
purposive, simple random and convenience sampling techniques, the
researcher sampled 153 respondents from UG, KNUST and UCC to respond
to the questionnaire and interview questions. Descriptive statistics (Means and
Standard Deviation), inferential statistics (Multiple Regression and ANOVA)
were used for the quantitative analysis while content thematic analysis was
used for the qualitative analysis.
The study among other things found that poor administrative support, lack of
support systems, lack of in-service training and inadequate resources, anxiety
and frustration, staff conflict, ill-health and smoking and drinking were the
major causes of stress among public university library staff in Ghana.
However, it was revealed that library staff also adopt numerous coping
strategies such as taking time off work and leave, positive thinking, building
strong human relationship and going for counselling in an attempt to manage
their stress. It was recommended that universities institute proactive guidance
and counselling measures, strong social support systems and compensation for
additional work.
Description
MPhil
Keywords
Stress management, Public University Library, Ghana