Job Stress and coping strategies among staff of polytechnic libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the causes and coping strategies of job related stress among library staff of Polytechnics in Nigeria, with particular reference to the entire Southern region of Nigeria. The descriptive research design was used for this study. The population of the study was made up of 452 respondents, comprising 113 professional librarians, 58 para professionals and 279 support staff ( library attendants and assistants) of the library, in all the Federal and State owned polytechnics in Southern Nigeria. A questionnaire titled „‟library staff job stress questionnaire‟‟ (LSJSQ) was used for data collection. Data was analysed using percentage counts and mean. Findings revealed that the introduction and use of new technology, insufficient funds and non conducive work environment are the major causes of job related stress to all library staff in Polytechnics in Nigeria, irrespective of age, gender and rank. The study found out that seeking more information in order to clarify ambiguous role expectations, job sharing, flexible work time, socializing and keeping friendship are coping techniques employed by library staff to manage job stress. Based on the findings, the study concluded that managing job stress is necessary for the realisation of organisational goals. Recommendations were put forward to ameliorate job related stress amongst polytechnic libraries staff in Nigeria.

Keywords: job stress, library staff, coping strategy, polytechnics, Nigeria