Browsing by Author "Maritz, Annemarie"

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    Die identifikasie en bestuur van stressors van vakbibliotekarisse in universiteits- en technikonbiblioteke
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1997-03) Maritz, Annemarie; Pienaar, R. E.; Duvenage, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The general and popular image of librarians is that of a group of people who maintain a quiet, tranquil and slow-paced lifestyle. Libraries are also regarded as quiet and tranquil places. The traditional role of the university library has changed from a repository of books (that is, an archival role) to a provider of information. The rapid progress of information technology is largely responsible for this change. Other changes that closely affect libraries associated with tertiary institutions in South Africa are: reduced subsidies, the changing composition of the student body, and the restructuring of the political order with resulting pressure on staff which in turn can lead to stress. This study has attempted to determine the stressors of subject librarians at university and technikon libraries. The following topics were examined by means of a selective study of the literature: the subject librarian in the academic environment; a conceptual definition of stress in terms of a cybernetic model; empirical studies of stress among librarians; and the identification of potential stressors. A questionnaire was designed and sent to all subject librarians at all South African university and technikon libraries. The following information was obtained from the questionnaire: demographic information regarding the subject librarian; potential stressors; personal and institutional attempts to address stress; work satisfaction factors; and what libraries can do to reduce stress among their staff. The study showed that potential stressors are inherently part of the subject librarian's working life (continual interruptions, urgent tasks, students from academically disadvantaged communities who require special attention; work overload; evening and weekend duties), or are typical of the library world in general (few opportunities for promotion; shortcomings that could originate from a bureaucratic style of management; poor salaries and lack of funds for library material which has a negative effect on providing service). Finally, proposals are suggested for an organisational approach to stress management.