The Library Ergonomics of the Automated Workstation of the Library Staffs

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Library ergonomics

The Library Ergonomics of the Automated Workstation of the Library Staffs

in Angeles City

Remedios DL. Baking

Holy Angel University

Graduate Department

Library Science

February 2008

Abstract

The library is considered an important educational system in which the library staffs are the key persons in the provision of unquantifiable information services to library patrons and community of users. Poor working conditions affect the physical well-being of the library staffs. In line with this, the researcher attempted to find how the workstations of the library staffs and workers of the seven (7) academic institutions and eleven (11) schools institutions in Angeles City are ergonomically designed. The researcher used the descriptive method andinferential statistics such as T-test to check the significant differences between the library ergonomics of the academic and school institutions and also percentage distribution and weighted mean of the responses of the research respondents. Findings of the study showed that library staffs in both academic and school libraries were not fully ergonomically aware on the different physical factors that strain their bodies when staying in their workstation. The respondents indicated uncertainty on the comfort they have on their workstation. They also indicated that they experienced less stress on the eyes but they experienced much pain on the wrist and neck. These pains that were brought by the unergonomic furniture did not fit the different anthropometric measures of the library staffs that require knowledge and training to correct the unfit furniture. Indeed, it is desirable to fully understand the benefit of taking micro-break, office exercises, and proper arrangement of the furniture and equipment in the office to avoid strain and injuries in the workplace.

The 20th century brought the dawn of the digital information age and unprecedented changes in information technology. There is no indication that this rapid change will be slowing, so it may even be increasing. As the 21st century begins, computer literacy is undoubtedly becoming a prerequisite not only in the library facilities and equipment but also to the services (O’Leary, 2008). The role of the library is to offer services that suit the needs of the students, educators, and other researchers. These services vary for each type of libraries: traditional, digital, and hybrid. Traditional libraries are those libraries that concentrate on books and other printed materials. Its operations are done manually with the use of conventional method of information dissemination. Digital libraries are those libraries that utilize computers in their library operation, having collections of purely online resources and computerized digital non-print materials. Hybrid libraries, on the other hand, are those that maintain a combination of library materials from print, non-print, digital, and online resources. Nowadays, traditional libraries are starting to evolve to hybrid libraries. In order to keep pace with the trend and advancement, information is upgraded in format such as those in digital, online, and text format to cope with the development of computer technology and meet the changing needs of the library community.

A corollary aspect to this idea is the fact that computers penetrate in the library collection of furniture and equipment which affect the work of library staffs. Such developments require library personnel to spend more time at their desk and depend on computers in upgrading and updating electronic services and in doing their library

functions specifically in the circulation, the reference and the technical services which involve cataloging, selection and acquisition of library resources as well as the processing of library materials.

Cloete, Snyman, and Cronje (2003) observed that bibliographic work can never

be completely computerized without human input, especially with regard to authority control.With the advancement of computer use, most of the manual activities in library operations are now being replaced by library staffs’ input into computers.

As a daily routine becomes computer dependent, library staffs develop related illnesses and injuries caused by repetitive use of computers. The study of Stover (2000) proved that most library staffs agreed that computers generate variety of problems in the workplace, where carpal tunnel syndrome being the most common. In a related situation, Sheau-yueh, Ching, and Chiang (2001) disclosed that repetitive muscle efforts can be at risk to the muscles, tendons and nerves and increase the chances of developing various body injuries such as repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), neck and back pains and eyestrains.

RSI refers to the injuries and disorders brought about by undesigned ergonomically workstations which cover disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, upper limb disorders, work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs), musculoskeletal disorders, computer vision syndrome and cumulative trauma disorders. It relates to a range of musculoskeletal disorders that arises through overuse of particular parts of the body – head-wrist, arm-elbow, shoulder-neck and leg-elbow (Oborne, 1995).

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (1990a) found the main causes of muscles and tendons overused or CTDs include 1) awkward static or constrained postures, 2) repetitive movements of the parts of the body, and 3) extreme force required by parts of the body.

For the HSE (1990a), the most effective method of dealing with work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) in the workplace may take the following:

·  Ergonomic improvements to work situations – provision of sufficient working space to enable the operator to work in comparative comfort and safety without excessive twisting, turning or arm elevation;

·  Improvement of equipment design – where practicable old or poorly designed equipment should be replaced or modified to enable the worker to operate with a high degree of comfort as possible and to eliminate any physical tension that may be present;

·  Improvement of organizational work factors – job redesign, rotation of tasks, breaks, time limits placed on video display unit (VDU) work periods;

·  Improvements in managerial aspects – workers should be warned of the risk inherent in certain tasks, early symptom reporting should be encouraged, prompt action should be taken and proper training should be given; and

·  Proper risk assessment and planning – a formal policy should be developed and employees should be made aware of its existence.

CTD is an injury developed by repetitive stress and can now be lessened if not prevented by awareness and education programs on ergonomics (Caventa, 2007). For him, applying the principle of ergonomics to computer use can greatly benefit workers mentally and physically. It can even enhance their output quite dramatically.

In 2005, Henry found out that workers within a manufacturing environment are affected by Ergonomic Risk Factors. These risks are known to have been directly related to musculoskeletal discomfort attributed to the physical aspects of performing certain tasks that placed stress on the body.

Back pain is a cause of sick leave. This idea is according to the data from International Bone and Joint Decade Council which launched a “3pm Banat Buto” program in order to ease such pain (Manongdo, 2004). The said program is a 15-minute video exercise which composed of warm-up phase followed by the exercise proper that involves the large muscles and the spine, and then the cool – down phase.

Similar observation with that of Sheau-yueh, Ching, and Chiang (2001) was recorded by the Liberty Mutual Research Center for Safety and Health (1999). In their studies, as computers have been added in the workplace, work-related musculoskeletal irritation has increased. The works of Wright (1993) and Kroemer and Kroemer (2001) had shown that work-related discomforts were due to lack of whole-body movement, unsuitable posture especially when maintained for long period, often caused by ill-fitting furniture including chair, physical exertion of hand, arm and shoulder stress which was caused by repetitive work.

Miles (2001) examined ergonomics and its potential power to alleviate organizational stress and other personal and work outcomes especially somatic complaints, job induced tension, general fatigue, and job dissatisfaction directly through perception of person-environment fit and perceptions of control. Findings indicated positive relationship between ergonomic design (adjustable chair, wall color, work area design) and ergonomic training (training satisfaction, training understanding) with person-environment fitness. Likewise, a positive relationship between ergonomic design and ergonomic training with control was found.

Clark (2006) identified vision condition related to computer, whereby The American Optometric Association called this condition as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This is an injury characterized by eyestrain or eye fatigue, dry eyes, burning eyes, light sensitivity vision, muscle spasms, headache and pain in the shoulder, neck and back. It has the following symptoms: headaches, dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision, eyestrain, slow refocusing, neck and or shoulder backaches, double vision and color distortion.

It was as early as 1996 when Brugger noted that libraries were no different from the rest of the information industries that dealt with considerations, including the various types of physical injuries. An alarming 81 percent of the respondents of the study recorded problems such as repetitive strain injuries, back and eyestrain. The problems encountered were found to have been related with equipment they used including those

footrest, adjustable keyboards, and articulated mouse trays. Exercise programs and adjustments in schedules were taken as remedy for these work-related cases.

The long-term work with computers particularly the extensive period of data entry requires ergonomic measures to ensure a healthful, satisfying, and productive job (Kroemer, Kroemer & Kroemer-Elbert, 2001).

Ergonomics is the field of study that aims to make the workplace more user-friendly instead of forcing the worker to adapt to specific work conditions. Employers use the principle and techniques of ergonomics in designing the workplace and job tasks to optimize workers’ capabilities and to counteract their limitations. Ergonomics also refers to arange of concepts which assist people in the design and interaction of library staffs with the computer, systems, working methods and environment while taking into account their safety, physical and mental capacity, and their productiveness. Additionally, achieving an ergonomic work environment entails checking and changing the layout of the work area, deploying ergonomic equipment and tools, and implementing education and training programs to promote safe work practices to ensure healthful conditions (Atkins, 2005). The work environment is the surrounding that includes lighting, temperature, air quality and the equipment, and ambiance where work activities are being performed.

Office ergonomics is synonymous to ergonomics (Kroemer Kroemer, 2001). It applies science to workplace design to maximize productivity while reducing fatigue and discomfort. The main goal of ergonomics is to prevent injuries on the job and to reduce

the risk of future injuries (Atkins, 2005).Conversely, ergonomics considers the characteristics and limitations of humans to improve the interaction between the human component and machine.

Moreover, ergonomics (Miles, 2001) involves medical cost reduction, less absenteeism and higher productivity. It also reduces strain like physical discomfort, fatigue, and tension in the workplace through environmental tool and job design.

According to Fernandez (1995) the different application of ergonomic principles in the workplace can result in the following:

§  Increased productivity

§  Improved health and safety of workers

§  Lower workers’ compensation claims

§  Job satisfaction

§  Compliance with government regulations (e.g OSHA standards)

§  Increased work quality

§  Lower worker turnover

§  Lower lost time at work

§  Improved moral of workers

§  Decrease in absenteeism rate

Reyes (2003) defined ergonomics as a source of bringing the equipment in line with body rather than the body with working environment that reduces musculoskeletal injuries. He even emphasized that the arrangement of the workplace and interaction with

that space is just as important as the equipment used. To lessen eyestrain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and wrist, shoulder or back problems, desk and computer equipment should be arranged properly for greater efficiency. As suggested, the different ways tominimize health problems are as follows:

§  Keep used items close at hand as frequently as possible;

§  Sit close to work to avoid long reaches to the keyboard or mouse;

§  Adjust the computer monitor so that it’s just below eye level;

§  Approximate the height of the keyboard at waist level so that the forearms and wrists are at the right level typing;

§  Sit straight with the lower back supported and the feet flat on the floor;

§  Provide frequent breaks to stretch; and

§  Pay attention if there is a sign of pain on the muscles, neck, back or eyes which needs rest or a change of desk set-up.

Laquindanum’s study (1997) was about the provision of work environment conducive to productivity. For him, working environment increases workers’ output, thus, preventing any undesirable behavior.

Bauzon’s study (1998) dealt with job stress among school teachers at Holy Angel University. The study showed that autonomy reduces workers’ stress. It also showed that man has the capacity to adjust the equipment in order to make the workplace conducive and healthy.

For Caguiat (2001), the most common manifestation of stress frequently experienced by librarians were backaches and headaches. These were caused by burnout due to poor working conditions. For this reason, stress reduction techniques and remedies were given to librarians through skills training programs, breaks during work, and orientation programs. On the other hand, improved working conditions, and improved communications were provided by the administration.

In a library-related situation, Buenrostro (2004) correlated ergonomics to man and machine which were symbiotically connected with each other. He noted that, a workplace that is ergonomically planned together with consideration of other physical aspects of the workplace, makes the place conducive for work, thus achieving increased productivity.

To come up with increased productivity, library staffs should possess the needed technical skills in the performance of their duties. In the workstation, the staffs are expected to perform technical services such as cataloging, indexing and abstracting, selection and acquisitions and the processing of materials and the preparation of appropriate library records so that library resources be made accessible by the community of users as well as in the reference, and circulation section of the library. A workstation that is ergonomically designed and healthfully equipped includes: lighting, furniture like chair and desk, temperature, and air quality.

The chair and desk are the most important pieces of office furniture and equipment. The chair should be one that encourages movement and must fit correctly the