Categories of Stress Among Librarians in Public Universities: The Causes and Effects
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Date
2021
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Library Philosophy and Practice
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the causes and effects of stress encountered by
library staff of the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology and University of Cape Coast and the various categories of stress.
Using 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 relationships, and going for
counseling in an attempt to manage their stress. It was recommended that
universities institute proactive guidance and counseling measures, strong social
support systems, and compensation for additional work.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Categories, causes, effects, library staff, psychological, stress, universities