Coping with Stress in Librarianship: A Case Study of Academic Librarians in Universities in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

The study has tried to identify the not needed, redundant sources of job related stress and coping strategies among academic librarians in universities in South-east Nigeria.The design of the study was a survey.  The study population consisted of all the 89 academic librarians in universities in South-east Nigeria.  A Stress and Stress Management Inventory (SSMI) was developed, validated and pilot-tested by one senior librarian and 2 assistant librarians from Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.  Comments and responses led to a small number of editorial changes designed to improve clarity in the questions that were administered to the respondents.  A total of 67 useable copies of the questionnaire were returned by the respondents, percentage cross-tabulation was used to analyze the data. The following findings were made:  (a)   Academic librarians in universities in South-east Nigeria experience considerable stress on the job irrespective of their sex, designation, and place of work.  (b)  Majority of the librarians are dissatisfied with their conditions of service.  (c)  Coping strategies employed include: maintaining a sense of humours, delegating responsibility, relaxation and stress management techniques. Library administrators needs to recognize the importance of creating stress-free working environments not only to satisfy their legal obligations but also to ensure the long and healthy working life of library employees. A study that called for academic librarians to find strategies to manage stress that affects them in their work environment.

Keywords: Coping strategies, stress, academic librarians, management.