The price of productivity: Burnout and technostress among academic library workers

Abstract

New technology is often associated with increased productivity. However, when technology is centered over that of human-interaction, it can create unintentional consequences that impact library workers' effectiveness and feelings of burnout. This study seeks to understand these effects by examining the intersection of burnout, feelings about technology, and the impact it all has on academic library workers' sense of effectiveness. Using a scale to measure technostress, including ranked and open-ended responses, fifty-four surveys were collected from academic library workers. Findings demonstrate that academic libraries are technocented environments and are influenced by technology related stressors, such as constant connectivity, disruption, and role overload. Even though academic library workers describe improved productivity, technology overuse negatively effects library workers' wellbeing. Academic leaders seeking to foster well-0being must account for how new and existing technologies mediate library workers' ability to sustain relational focus with patrons and colleagues. This consideration is essential when adopting technologies aimed at improving technology effectiveness. This study offers academic library leadership considerations for creating human-centered approaches when using and adapting new technology.