Technostress: Effects and Measures Among Librarians in University Libraries in Nigeria

Technostress In Libraries

While technostress is well documented in libraries the world seems unaware of library work as computer related (Clute, 1998). Interestingly, Poole and Emmett (2001) explain that the 1994 job rated almanac ranked librarianship among the 25 least stressful occupations, thereby reinforcing a publicly held image that library work is not a technological field. However, in the process of adapting to the increasingly complex technologies, more users and staff have been experiencing physical and emotional stress (Saunders, 1999).

This resulted in higher level of absenteeism and turnover, higher cost for retaining new staff and increase in litigation costs related to workplace stress (Harper, 2000). Bichteler (1986) discovered that as a result of library automation some librarians feel that their personalities has changed, in which they became more computer oriented. They were easily irritated and impatient when dealing with unorganized or illogical people and found it hard to communicate with non programmers. The pressure to use the equipment efficiently and to stay on schedule has reduced their opportunities for conversation and let them to isolate themselves from other people. Moreover, the librarian also felt frustrated when there is incapability between micros and mainframe, inaccessible and unhelpful sales representative, lacking of training and inadequate time provided to practice what they have learned (Ahmad, Amin, & Ismail, 2009).