Your Name and Title: Elizabeth O’Connor, 2022 Alumni at Southern Connecticut State University. (I have also been recently hired as a circulation librarian at Oliver Wolcott Public Library in Connecticut.)
Library, School, or Organization Name: I will be presenting on behalf of Southern CT State University.
Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Connecticut, USA
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s): My research directly affects public library staff and patrons (but I hope my findings can also resonate with school and university libraries as well.)
Short Session Description (one line):
For my thesis research, I surveyed Connecticut’s public libraries to collect data on their ergonomic setups in order to measure how public libraries are adapting to society’s new dependences on technology and see how well-equipped they are to offset musculoskeletal disorders in staff members and patrons alike.
Full Session Description (as long as you would like):
(Disclaimer: Parts of this description were taken from my thesis. I have included references within the text to better articulate my points and have attached a references page at the bottom of this description.)
Library staff members and patrons alike depend on technology to be efficient in our modern world, yet we frequently hear about users suffering from back, neck, and/or shoulder conditions, in addition to those who report pain in their hands, arms, and fingers (i.e. musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs). It is unclear how many users are aware of how to set up a workstation that promotes good health and posture, which is especially important in public libraries because they offer all community members free access to their resources.
Nowadays it is estimated one-in-four Americans are “almost constantly” online, while eight-in-ten adults go online at least once per day (Pew Research Center, 2021a). Public libraries have undoubtedly been affected by the fundamental shift towards electronic content, rushing to adapt by replacing old card catalogs with electronic OPACS, rearranging stacks to make room for computer stations, and implementing a plethora of new digital services including research databases, eBooks, and streaming services. Librarians’ reference work has even evolved to include technology assistance and instruction on how to distinguish creditable information online. These have all been well-received additions among users, especially those who rely on their public institutions’ computers and public Wi-Fi networks to search for jobs and information, complete schoolwork, and stay connected with loved ones via email and social media (Horrigan, 2019).
Users and librarians alike have never been more “online” than they are now, and while this technology has revolutionized the way we live, occupationally related illness and injuries have noticeably increased as our daily operations have become largely computer dependent. With the intensified need to incorporate computers into public libraries, it is questionable if the afore mentioned “digital age” adaptations includes changes in workstation design (Adeyemi, 2010, p. 2).
According to the Occupation Safety and Health Association (OSHA), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time in today’s workplaces (OSHA, n.d.). These painful disorders affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons and are considered a risk factor to those who routinely lift heavy items, bend, reach overhead, push or pull heavy loads, work in awkward body postures or perform the same or similar repetitive tasks (OSHA, n.d.). Multiple reports assess library staff members’ likelihood of developing an MSD due to factors such as repetitive operations (i.e. typing and cataloging) and managing confined service stations.
Library users who utilize our electronic resources expect functionality, accessibility, and safety and as such, it is librarians’ responsibility to ensure these patrons have options that accommodate for their physical wellbeing. After all, the same repetitive muscle efforts that affect staff members and put them at risk for repetitive strain injuries (RSI), neck and back pain, and eyestrain, can affect anyone who works extensively with a computer, including library patrons.
Research has consistently shown the benefits of embracing ergonomics, or “fitting a job to a person”, to help lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity, and reduce the number and severity of work-related MSDs (OSHA, n.d.). Ideally, users should be comfortable at their workstation regardless of whether they are sitting or standing. Good ergonomic design means that the user shouldn't have to assume uncomfortable positions in order to perform his or her duties (Asaol & Itsekor, 2014, p. 23). They require options that 1) permit adjustments to their station and 2) correlate with their unique body height, weight, arm and leg length, etc. An example of a good computer workstation might include one with “a comfortable and adjustable task chair, a properly positioned monitor, a keyboard shelf, a mouse pad with wrist rest and peripherals (printers, speakers, disk drives, etc.) which are easily accessible” (Asaol & Itsekor, 2014, p. 23).
Following a search of the databases: Research Gate, EBSCO, EBSCOhost, AcademicResearchJournals, Google, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Gale, CiteSeerX, Research Gate, and Library Technology Reports, I found a sizeable collection of library case studies and surveys have already documented the improvements among staff members’ health and productivity levels thanks to the incorporation of ergonomics at the circulation desk. That said, I also discovered there have been far less accounts discussing the benefits of ergonomics in public libraries for its user population. This is unfortunate, considering how many people depend on and utilize library computers and Wi-Fi.
As such, I developed a study to examine the role ergonomics play in public library settings and measure their effectiveness in decreasing MSD symptoms and increasing safe technological use. I surveyed Connecticut (CT) public libraries and asked librarians serving in rural, urban, and suburban areas questions related to their library’s ergonomic setups. My results found that public libraries from all areas of the state take accessibility seriously and that all librarians have received complaints about MSD pain from patrons- but some libraries are better equipped than others to meet patrons’ and staff members’ ergonomic needs. For instance, libraries in more populated, urban areas were more likely to report their library was “somewhat accessible”, “not very accessible”, or “needs improvement.” Unsurprisingly, my research found public libraries -such as those in urban and less wealthy or populated rural areas- face a number of barriers preventing them from establishing more ergonomic resources at their facilities, such as size and budget constraints.
Overall, librarian participants expressed interest in overcoming these barriers and in providing more support to staff members and patrons alike. It is my hope that by sharing my findings, other library professionals become aware of the high risks of MSDs, assess whether their library offers staff and patrons ergonomic options, and reflect on why they do or do not offer such resources.
This study can raise library users’ and workers’ awareness of the hazards of MSDs; assess the need for ergonomic libraries; and determine which ergonomic methods are most popular and effective in public areas. It can also highlight and discuss the barriers that prevent libraries from providing accessible tools and/or workstations, which can help libraries develop strategies to incorporate more proactive ergonomic standards into institutions and/or safety policies that will thereby ensure the library is safe and accessible to all users.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: I do not believe I would directly refer to a specific website or URL for my session. I would review my survey results with viewers and discuss what the numbers mean for public libraries. That said, I can provide a copy of my thesis’s references page. (This information will also be included at the end of my presentation.)
REFERENCES
Aaras A, Horgen G, Bjorset H-S, Ro O, Walsoe H (2001). Musculoskeletal, Visual and Psychological Stress in VDU Operators Before and After Multidisciplinary Ergonomic Interventions. A 6 Years Prospective Study – Part ii. Applied Ergonomics. 32:559-571.
Adeyemi AO (2009). Case Study of Ergonomics Awareness among Library Staff of Two Universities in South-Western Nigeria, Ife Psychologia, 17(1):243-253.
Adeyemi AO (2010). ICT Facilities: Ergonomic Effects on Academic Library Staff. Library Philosophy and Practice (ejournal of University of Nebraska - Lincoln). Paper 343. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/343
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2016, March 1). One in Two Americans Have a Musculoskeletal Condition. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160301114116.htm#:%7E:text=03%2F160301114116.htm-,An%20estimated%20126.6%20million%20Americans%20(one%20in%20two%20adults)%20are,according%20to%20a%20new%20report
Asaolu, A. O., & Itsekor, V. (2014). Ergonomic Computer Workstation considerations for library Staff. International Journal of Academic Library and Information Science, 2(3), 22–26. https://doi.org/10.14662/IJALIS2014.005
Bone and Joint Initiative. (2018). The Hidden Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Americans. BoneandJointBurden.Org. https://www.boneandjointburden.org/docs/BMUS%20Impact%20of%20MSK%20on%20Americans%20booklet_4th%20Edition%20%282018%29.pdf
Boss, R. W. (2001). Chapter 4: Ergonomics Basics. Library Technology Reports, 37(6). https://doi.org/10.5860/ltr.37n6
CDC. (2020, February 12). Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html
Connecticut Library Consortium: Public Libraries. (n.d.). Connecticut Library Consortium. https://www.ctlibrarians.org/search/custom.asp?id=2240
Connecticut State Library. (2022, May 2). Statistics for Connecticut Public Libraries: Statistical Profile. CT State Library Division of Library Department. https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/stats/overview
Connecticut State Department of Public Health. (2020). Annual Town and County Population for Connecticut. CT.Gov - Connecticut’s Official State Website. https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Health-Information-Systems--Reporting/Population/Annual-Town-and-County-Population-for-Connecticut
Ergonomic Systems Associates. (n.d.). Ergonomics Consulting Services for Libraries. Ergosystems. https://immediac.blob.core.windows.net/esa/pdf/ESA_Consulting_Services_for_Libraries.pdf
OSHA. (n.d.). Ergonomics. United States Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics
OSHA. (2010, January). The Advantages of Ergonomics. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/ergo/ergoadvantages.pdf
Rajan Pillai, C. V., & Jayalatha, K. T. (2016). Ergonomics and Library Professionals-A Case Study of the University of Kerala. SRELS Journal of Information Management, 53(3), 221–227. https://doi.org/10.17821/srels/2016/v53i3/55500
Rodrigues, H. F. (2010). The Ergonomic Impact Of Technology On Libraries. Simmons University. http://web.simmons.edu/%7Echen/nit/NIT’93/93-313-rodri.html
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020, May 1). Occupational injuries and illnesses resulting in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/case/msds.htm
Weinstein, S., Yelin, E., & Watkins-Castillo, S. (n.d.). The Big Picture. BMUS: The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. https://www.boneandjointburden.org/fourth-edition/i1/big-picture
Wolkoff, A. (2006, March 21). Ergonomics and Repetitive Workplace Injuries. Connecticut General Assembly: ORL Research Report. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/rpt/2006-R-0265.htm
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