I continue collecting low-morale experience narratives from people who work in various types of library workplaces. Below are updated data (n=127). You may also review an earlier report of this dataset.
- 37% of respondents are experienced librarians/archivists; 26% are mid-career librarians/archivists; 31% are new librarians/archivists.
- 64% are currently dealing with low-morale.
- 35% of these incidents are happening at four-year public colleges/universities; 18% are happening at urban/metropolitan-based public libraries; 15% are happening at four-year private colleges/universities.
- 87% of respondents experienced emotional abuse; 74% experienced negligence; 56% experienced verbal/written abuse; 31% experienced system abuse.
- 73% of abuse was perpetrated by library administrators; 68% was perpetrated by library supervisors/managers; 55% was perpetrated by colleagues.
- During their experiences:
- 76% noted reduced productivity
- 64% avoided co-workers (even those whom they used to be close to)
- 62% increased their procrastination on projects
- 54% created rigid work schedules or protocols (e.g., “I only do what’s required”)
- 48% rejected or reduced outreach and collaboration opportunities
- 47% were absent from work more often
- 42% rejected committee or service work
- 38% were late to work more often
- Respondents reported the following emotional reactions/impacts of their low-morale experiences:
- 94% Anger (this includes the spectrum of anger – from minor irritation to rage)
- 83% Sadness
- 80% Disappointment
- 75% Despair
- 65% Confusion
- 55% Shame
- 55% Shock
- 51% Embarrassment
- As a result of their experiences, respondents most often developed
- 62% Anxiety
- 46% Sleep disorders
- 35% Clinical depression
- 32% Gastrointestinal disorders
- 26% Post-traumatic stress disorder
- 26% noted that the experience exacerbated symptoms of previously diagnosed conditions
- The most popular coping strategies are:
- 79% Talking with others
- 51% Formal counseling
- 50% Mental activities (e.g., mindfulness, meditation)
- 46% Physical activity
- 45% Self-talk
- 39% Creative activities (e.g., painting, building)
- 38% Recording activities (e.g., documenting abuse)
- 36% Reflective activities (e.g., writing, journaling)
- The most popular mitigation methods are:
- 69% Looking for a new job
- 31% Talking with Human Resources
- 24% Leaving the LIS field
