Work Environment in the Libraries: A Study

This paper aims to provide the view of LIS professionals regarding the work environment present in their libraries. The study was carried out in eight libraries grouped into academic, special, public and technical libraries. Likert scale based questionnaire was used to obtain responses from the professionals working in these libraries holding positions equivalent to or greater than assistant librarian. Total 58 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 43 were returned back with response rate of 74.1%. Work environment of the libraries was studies by dividing this facet into 12 further sub facets such as working conditions, grievance redressal, social environment, colleague support, communication etc. The study finds that the cumulative percentage for ‘Work Environment’ facet is 71.3% with WAM of 3.6 which depicts the positive perception of 66.5% professionals towards it.Majority of the respondents (79%) are happy with the working conditions in their libraries, also 67.4% are satisfied with the social environment. There is strong consensus among 81.4% professionals that their job is prestigious and respectful. Public libraries (DPL & DSL) are found to be best with 72.9% score followed by special libraries (NASSDOC & NSL) scoring 72.2%. Among libraries, least is scored by IIT central library (50%). However, libraries should focus on involving employees in various recreational activities.