ICT facilities: ergonomic effects on academic library staff.

Adeyemi, Aderonke O.

Introduction

The term Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which is often used interchangeably with Information Technology (IT), encompasses methods and techniques for automated information handling and retrieval, including computers, telecommunications, and office systems. It encompasses business data, conversations, still images, video, and multimedia. The (IT) sector will probably continue to expand (Ivergard, 2000). ICT has fundamentally affected the operations of library and information services. The application of ICT to library operations has made electronic cataloguing and online reference services possible, along with other library operations, such as digital information, online access and file transfer, networking and sharing of information resources.

Aina (2004) observes that ICTs have been implemented in information handling and processing because of the increased workload involved in coping with an information explosion. Madu and Adeniran (2000) describe the values of IT and ICT. According to them, ICT makes it possible for an individual or a company to meet all their information-related needs rapidly and easily. Shrestha (2000), referring to OECD (2000), asserts that the rapid movement of information across local, national, and international borders is contributing to revolutionary changes that include the academic library.

The use of ICT requires working at a computer. Working long hours on a computer may result in some form of ergonomic problems. More and more workers are suffering from backaches, neck-aches, sore wrists, arms, and legs, and eyestrain which are all symptoms of ergonomic problems. Ergonomics is a discipline that extends across all aspects of human activity. It is also known as human factors/human engineering, and is the design or modification of the workplace to match human characteristics and capabilities. Ergonomics was developed as a consequence of problems presented by new work systems. It was developed through the same processes that led to disciplines like industrial engineering and occupational medicine (Bridger, 1995).

Employers are always faced with balancing efficiency and productivity with safety and comfort. Good ergonomic assessment and remedial design can ensure both. Every workstation should be designed with both the worker and the task in mind, so that work can be performed comfortably, smoothly, and efficiently. Positioning or using your computer improperly can lead to injuriy, from the short term discomfort to serious conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. ILO (2008) rightly notes that for many workers in developing countries, ergonomic problems may not have a high priority among the health and safety problems they face. The large and increasing numbers of workers affected by poor work design, however, make ergonomic issues important. These issues have become points of negotiation for many unions. Launis (2007) observes that in Finland, good ergonomics are widely implemented, supported by extended education in universities and the support of legislation and normative standards. Launis points out that the original broad definition of ergonomics has remained an academic discipline, but in practice it is used to mean physical aspects of workplaces.

Statement of the Problem

The adoption of ICT has resulted in the globalization of information and knowledge resources. The rapid increase of computers in academic libraries has not been accompanied by changes in workstation design. As computer use increases, the application of ergonomics in risk avoidance becomes critical. The study examines the ergonomic problems and physical symptoms experienced by library staff who make use of ICT resources in carrying out their daily routine, as well as the ergonomic measures put in place for the library staff of two universities.

Significance of the Study

The library and library staff are crucial to the support of the mission and vision of any academic institution. Nardi, O'Day, and Valauskas (1996) say that, "librarians are more than technicians. They are, it seems information therapists who analyze problems as well as find answers." Valauskas (1997) observes that librarians are becoming more important in this information-centric universe. Librarians are already fulfilling new roles as content providers, search strategists, digital cataloguers, and information mechanics. Responses to a questionnaire sent out by Steinhagen and Mueller (1992) to heads of cataloguing in 185 medium-sized academic libraries in the US suggested that, although cataloguers spent more time at computers than they had previously, offline tasks still exist, and that ergonomic furniture, other than pneumatically adjustable chairs, was not widely available.

Bade (2008) uncovers valuable literature on failure in organizations and technical systems, which is the literature of ergonomics. He makes the case that ergonomics are crucial to the implementation and use of technology. The findings of this study will raise awareness of ergonomic problems and give the administration of academic libraries the knowledge to be proactive in the formation of staff safety policies, acquisition of library infrastructure, and procurement of ICT resources for their libraries.

Scope of the Study

The university libraries selected for this study were purposively chosen based on their level of computerization. One of the universities is a federal university, the University of Lagos (Unilag), while the second is a private university; Covenant University (CU).

The Unilag Library has a total of 57 staff, ranging from administrative staff and library assistants to the university librarian. The library is highly computerized and has a standby generator in case of electric power failure. The library in Covenant University is known as Centre for Learning Resources (CLR), and has fully computerized all routine activities. It can boast of a functional virtual library service, which gives staff and students access to the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) and other electronic resources from offices, departments, and wherever there is a computer terminal that is linked to the university network. CLR also has a standby generator to augment the supply of electricity.

Methodology

The target population for this study are the staff of two university libraries, Unilag and CU. Copies of a questionnaire were distributed to the staff of the two university libraries. The population sample was made up of all library staff who make use of a computer and other ICT related resources, and who spend long hours carrying out their daily responsibilities. These include librarians, library officers, systems engineers, and secretaries.

Findings and Analysis

Ninety-four copies of the questionnaires were sent out, with 73 duly completed and returned, which represents a 77.7 percent response rate.

On the whole, 87 percent of the questionnaire forms were duly completed and used for the analyses.

The most prevalent problems are poorly-designed seats (97 percent, CU; 91 percent, Unilag), stress at workforce (93 percent, CU; 95 percent, Unilag), awkward posture (91 percent, Unilag), and exposure to computer screens on a regular basis without protectors (90 percent, CU; 91 percent, Unilag).

Table 4 highlights physical symptoms caused by poor ergonomics. Respondents from both institutions chose tension, stress, headaches, and related ailments, and pain in wrist, forearm, elbow, neck, or back, followed by discomfort as the two most visible ergonomic symptoms.

The most common ergonomic measures are trolleys and elevators, a compulsory one hour break, and computer monitor protectors.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Respondents from both institutions are faced with a variety of ergonomic problems that have led to tension, stress, headaches, and other pain. Preventive measures are primarily provision of trolleys and elevators, compulsory breaks, and computer monitor protectors. There are many obvious benefits to applying ergonomics in the workplace. For the worker, the benefits are healthier and safer working conditions. For the employer, the most obvious benefit is increased productivity.

Sitting all day is injurious to the body, especially to the back. Library staff sit for long hours. The sedentary nature of their job calls for caution. There should be some variety in the tasks performed. A good chair is essential for seated work. The chair should allow the worker to change leg and general working positions easily.

Lifting and carrying are always strenuous. Libraries should have elevators to convey library materials from one location to the other. The workers who will be affected by ergonomic changes must be involved in discussions before changes are implemented. Their input can help determine necessary and appropriate changes. The goal of ergonomics is to look for ways to make the job fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to conform to the job.

Proper positioning of computers is crucial to prevent pain and injury. Make sure computers are situated directly in front of workers as to avoid uncomfortable positions. Place computers perpendicular to light sources and consider buying screen protectors to cut down on glare.

Nigerian library schools should integrate ergonomic issues into their curriculum. The formal teaching of this concept would help sensitize library practitioners to emerging global standards. Early intervention is the key to preventing long term incapacitation. General workstation ergonomic instructions should be documented and circulated among staff. Good ergonomic assessment and design can ensure library efficiency and increased productivity.

References

Aina, L.O. (2004). Library and information science text for Africa. Ibadan: Third World Information Services.

Bade, D. (2008). Interview with David Bade. Library Juice Press. Available: http://libraryjuicepress.com/blog/?m=200802

Bridger, R.S. (1995). Introduction to ergonomics. New York: McGraw-Hill.

International Labour Organization (ILO) (2008).Your health and safety at work: Ergonomics. Available: http://www-old.itcilo.org/actrav/actrav-english/telearn/osh/ergo/ergoa.htm

Ivergard, T. (2000). An ergonomics approach for work in the next millennium in an IT world. Behaviour & Information Technology 19: 139-148.

Launis, M. (2007). Viewpoints on the use of the ergonomics concept in Finland. Available: http://www.ergonomiayhdistys.Maunis-nes-2007.html

Madu, E.C., & Adeniran, T.N. (2000). Information technology: Uses and preservation of resources in libraries and information centres. Oyo: Odumatt.

Nardi, B.A., O'Day, V.A., & Valauskas, E.J. (1996). Put a good librarian, not software, in the driver's seat. Christian Science Monitor, (4 June). Available: http://www.csmonitor.com

Shrestha, G. (2000). Information technology use in developing countries. LCS Technical Report LCS TR793 [IT and the Developing World Series 1 ]

Steinhagen, E.N., & Mueller, C.J. (1992). Ergonomics and the catalog librarian . Technical Services Quarterly 9 (4): 29-42.

Tepper, D. (2008). Participatory ergonomics in a university library: A case study. http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoPROJECTS/Library/library.html

Aderonke O. Adeyemi

Centre for Learning Resources

Covenant University

Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Table 1: Sample Frame

University        Total No.         No. of
Libraries         of Staff          Respondents

Unilag            57                43
CU                37                30
TOTAL             94                73

Table 2: Distribution of Respondents According to University
Affiliation

University             Frequency              percent
affiliation            distributed            distributed

CU                     37                     44
Unilag                 47                     56
Total                  84                     100

University             Frequency              percent
affiliation            retrieved              retrieved

CU                     30                     81
Unilag                 43                     91
Total                  73                     100

Table 3: Likely causes of ergonomic problems

Likely causes of ergonomic problems    CU               Unilag

                                       N     percent    N     percent

Awkward posture                        25    83         39    91
Frequent repetitive motion tasks       19    63         29    67
Stress at workforce                    28    93         41    95
Vibrations                             11    37         18    42
Forceful movements                     19    63         35    81
Poor workplace setup                   27    90         38    88
Sitting in the same position for
  continuous long hours                25    83         36    84
Lower back support is inadequate       21    70         32    74
Exposure to computer screens on a
  regular basis without protectors     27    90         39    91
Standing for long periods              24    80         37    86
Poorly designed seats                  29    97         39    91

Table 4: Symptoms or characteristics of ergonomic problems
experienced

Ergonomics Symptoms                   CU               Unilag

                                      N     percent    N     percent
Pain in wrist, forearm, elbow,
  neck or back followed by
  discomfort                          28    93         37    86
Aching or tingly                      22    73         32    74
Dry, itching or sore eyes             9     30         11    26
Cramping                              8     27         19    44
Numbness or a burning sensation
  in the hand                         7     23         14    33
Reduced grip strength in the hand     9     30         14    33
Weakness                              20    67         29    67
Tension, stress, headaches and
  related ailments                    27    90         38    88

Table 5: Ergonomic measures in libraries

Ergonomic Measures In Your            CU               Unilag
Library
                                      N     percent    N     percent

Compulsory one hour break             21    70         29    67
A recreation and relaxation
  centre                              25    83         8     19
Body massaging devices are
  provided                            --    --         4     9
Provision of adjustable furniture     22    73         25    58
Provision of computer monitor
  protectors                          14    47         29    67
Provision of trolleys and
  elevators                           29    97         27    63
Effective workstation design,
  space planning, appropriate
  furniture specification             26    87         24    56