The Effects of Life Satisfaction and Job Satisfaction on Reference Librarians and Their Work

Abstract

Job satisfaction at the reference desk is an important consideration. It not only affects quality of life and the overall level of life satisfaction experienced by the reference staff; it also affects reference work. Satisfied employees maintain attitudes and engage in activities conducive to reference service effectiveness. Life satisfaction and job satisfaction are related in reciprocal manner, with life satisfaction having the stronger effect. The present study found moderate positive relationship between life satisfaction and job satisfaction. A moderate negative relationship was found between life satisfaction and the desire to find comparable job in another library. Practical implications for library directors, educators in the field of library and information science, and librarians are discussed. During the course of comprehensive job satisfaction study, reference librarian in large public library system made the following comment: Librarians are expected to do their work (special assignments, reports, collection development) while sitting at the reference desk. It means constant interruptions and leads to sense that I have no control over how much work I am going to get done.[1] Unfortunately, similar situations occur in other libraries as well, creating stress and dissatisfaction among reference staff. It is essential to understand the extent to which unpleasant working conditions and other sources of job dissatisfaction influence reference service effectiveness. An even more comprehensive concern is quality of life. What are the effects on the life satisfaction of reference professional who experiences job dissatisfaction on regular basis? Job satisfaction does affect an individual's life satisfaction, and the reverse is also true. Life Satisfaction Research Although the popular belief that satisfied employees are more productive has not been borne out in research, life and job satisfaction both have the potential to impact reference service effectiveness and, therefore, merit study and understanding.[2] Life satisfaction is concept that has come under study only recently--over the past several decades--by psychologists and other researchers interested in organizational behavior. Defined as a conscious cognitive judgment of one's life, life satisfaction is one component of subjective or global well-being.[3] Life satisfaction is evaluated by allowing an individual to use personal and subjective criteria in the judgment process. Life satisfaction, as one indicator of psychological or emotional wellness, is valid area of study.[4] When considering reference service provision, however, it is even more important to examine life satisfaction in relation to job satisfaction and other work-related variables. While it has not yet been determined whether life satisfaction leads to job satisfaction, or the reverse, research indicates the two are related, with life satisfaction having stronger effect on job satisfaction than the reverse.[5] Understanding job satisfaction at the reference desk is crucial; it can, under certain complex conditions, influence productivity.[6] Also, from humanitarian perspective, employees should be well treated, which should affect how they feel about their jobs. A more utilitarian view is that satisfied employees will engage in activities that affect organizational and departmental effectiveness.[7] Life satisfaction has been studied in contexts other than its relationship to job satisfaction and other work-related attitudes and behaviors. Researchers have examined such topics as the degree to which individuals attempt to maximize their life satisfaction; suicide and life satisfaction; and marital status and life satisfaction, among others.[8] The main thrust of the present study, however, is work-related consequences and correlates of life satisfaction. As some studies have suggested, high levels of life satisfaction, away from the job, could have positive effect on job satisfaction. …

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