an article by Catherine M. Brown (UCLA College Library) published in College and Research Libraries News Volume 75 Number 7 (July 2014)
The title of this article is taken from the not really surprising reaction we sometimes get from students and visitors. Aren’t libraries supposed to be quiet places for studying and student work? As we seek to diversify academic library cultural offerings, similar to our public librarian colleagues, having concerts and dances in a library is a way to open the library to the community in an intriguingly different way, and to enhance curriculum by offering a new venue for students to perform in and for their audiences, as well. This article will examine some of the types of collaboration that have taken place as a result, the benefits to our students as well as to ourselves, and some how-to’s.
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Showing posts with label college_libraries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college_libraries. Show all posts
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Workplace stress in libraries: a case study
an article by Liz Farler (Coleg Sir Gar, Ammanford) and Judith Broady-Preston (Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University) published in Aslib Proceedings Volume 64 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to analyse the results of a case study conducted in 2008/2009 investigating workplace stress in a further education college library service.
Design/methodology/approach
Results from questionnaires and a series of semi-structured interviews held with library staff are analysed and discussed in the paper.
Findings
Librarians reported that interaction with students can be stressful or enjoyable, depending on context. The need to control noise levels, modify student behaviour and balance the needs of different user groups are cited as stressors. The results also show that the library staff exhibit a degree of humour and self-awareness in their work and employ a range of methods to cope with stress.
Research limitations/implications
Repeating the study more widely amongst a range of differing library services would add credibility to the findings.
Practical implications
This study shows that positive stress may motivate librarians to engage actively with students and thus create job satisfaction. Negative stress may be managed by measures such as zoning and flexible governance.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge and understanding of stress in the library profession by contributing a case study of stress in the college sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to analyse the results of a case study conducted in 2008/2009 investigating workplace stress in a further education college library service.
Design/methodology/approach
Results from questionnaires and a series of semi-structured interviews held with library staff are analysed and discussed in the paper.
Findings
Librarians reported that interaction with students can be stressful or enjoyable, depending on context. The need to control noise levels, modify student behaviour and balance the needs of different user groups are cited as stressors. The results also show that the library staff exhibit a degree of humour and self-awareness in their work and employ a range of methods to cope with stress.
Research limitations/implications
Repeating the study more widely amongst a range of differing library services would add credibility to the findings.
Practical implications
This study shows that positive stress may motivate librarians to engage actively with students and thus create job satisfaction. Negative stress may be managed by measures such as zoning and flexible governance.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge and understanding of stress in the library profession by contributing a case study of stress in the college sector.
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