Get 20M+ Full-Text Papers For Less Than $1.50/day. Start a 14-Day Trial for You or Your Team.

Learn More →

Management versus repetitive tasks – avoiding “working for the weekend” A crash course in motivating library staff faced with seemingly endless tasks

Management versus repetitive tasks – avoiding “working for the weekend” A crash course in... Purpose – In this paper the authors aim to examine ways to motivate staff whose job assignments include repetitive library tasks such as shelving, copy cataloguing, circulation, and other similar functions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review the appropriate management literature and build upon the extensive management experience of the second author. Findings – Ways to increase employee motivation including enriching the work experience, effective communication, appropriate incentives, and treating each employee as an individual. Sharing tasks among staff and maintaining an ergonomic workspace are also important. Library automation and eliminating unneeded tasks can reduce repetitive tasks but can also lead to a reduction in staff. Practical implications – The paper provides practical steps for managers to take to keep staff motivated when faced with repetitive tasks. Originality/value – This paper summarizes the management literature on this topic to provide practical guidance for library managers. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png New Library World Emerald Publishing

Management versus repetitive tasks – avoiding “working for the weekend” A crash course in motivating library staff faced with seemingly endless tasks

Janelle R. Thomas; Robert P. Holley
New Library World , Volume 113 (9/10): 12 – Sep 29, 2012
Download PDF
12 pages

Loading next page...
 
/lp/emerald-publishing/management-versus-repetitive-tasks-avoiding-working-for-the-weekend-a-iPNEJMbtuT
Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2012 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0307-4803
DOI
10.1108/03074801211273939
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – In this paper the authors aim to examine ways to motivate staff whose job assignments include repetitive library tasks such as shelving, copy cataloguing, circulation, and other similar functions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review the appropriate management literature and build upon the extensive management experience of the second author. Findings – Ways to increase employee motivation including enriching the work experience, effective communication, appropriate incentives, and treating each employee as an individual. Sharing tasks among staff and maintaining an ergonomic workspace are also important. Library automation and eliminating unneeded tasks can reduce repetitive tasks but can also lead to a reduction in staff. Practical implications – The paper provides practical steps for managers to take to keep staff motivated when faced with repetitive tasks. Originality/value – This paper summarizes the management literature on this topic to provide practical guidance for library managers.

Journal

New Library World – Emerald Publishing

Published: Sep 29, 2012

Keywords: Repetitive tasks; Motivation (psychology); Enrichment; Communication; Library automation; Employees; Library management

References

  • How to motivate the unmotivated, management issues: the heart of a changing workplace
    Bobinski, D.
  • Automating library processes: achieving success with self service loans and returns
    Butters, A.
  • Avoiding school librarian burnout: simple steps to ensure your personal best
    DelGuidice, M.
  • The role of effective communication in enhancement of library services: an overview of Delta State University Library, Abraka
    Emojorho, D.
  • I, user – just say no: eliminating low‐value tasks
    Fischer, R.; Lugg, R.I.
  • Assembly‐line job satisfaction and productivity
    Key, W.R.
  • How to motivate employees: what research is telling us
    Lazenby, S.
  • Library of Congress workplace ergonomics program
    Mansfield, J.A.; Armstrong, T.
  • The Truth about Burnout: How Organizations Cause Personal Stress and What to Do About It
    Maslach, C.; Leiter, M.P.
  • What's my motivation?
    Maynard, C.
  • 1001 Ways To Energize Employees
    Nelson, B.
  • Repetitive work: contrast and conflict
    Phillips, C.R.; Bedian, A.G.; Molstad, C.
  • Staff days: nuts, bolts, and chocolate
    Smith, S.D.
  • Rekindling the passion in your library job
    Topper, E.F.
  • Motivation and productivity in the library
    Ugah, A.
  • Employee incentives that work
    Wormald, K.