Syndrome

The

Burnout in LibrariesKathy Campbell

Marie F. Jones

East Tennessee State University

Who’s at Risk?

People who…

Try to be all things to all people

Identify too strongly with work

Have a monotonous job

Work in the helping professions

Causes: Work Environment

Lack of professional autonomyDealing with the publicRole ambiguityInadequate positive feedbackLack of control over library operationsNo-win situationsThe burned-out supervisorStressors in the physical environment

Causes: Personal

High idealismPerfectionismOvercommitmentLack of personal support

Symptoms

Are you… Becoming more cynical, critical, and sarcastic at work? Losing the ability to feel joy? Dragging to work and have trouble getting started? More irritable and less patient with co-workers or

library patrons? Feeling that there are insurmountable barriers at work? Lacking the energy to be consistently productive? No longer feeling satisfaction from your achievements? Having a hard time laughing at yourself? Tired of co-workers asking if you’re okay?

Psychological Symptoms

Feelings: anger, anxiety, apathy, boredom, depression, despair, discouragement, disillusionment, dissatisfaction, fear, frustration, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, irritability, pessimism, resentment, suspicion

Attitudes: cynicism, depersonalization, indifference, moodiness, resignation, self-doubt

Neuropsychological Dysfunction: reduced attention, reduced concentration, reduced problem-solving

Physical Symptoms

Sleeping too much or too littleGaining or losing weightHeadachesBackachesColdsFlu

Behavioral Symptoms

Blaming othersConflicts with othersCriticizing othersDefensivenessDistancing from others

Behavioral Symptoms

AbsenteeismClock-watchingDecreased efficiencyIncreased mistakesLiving for breaks, weekends, and vacationsLowered standardsOvercommitment or undercommitmentReliance on rulesTardinessWorkaholism

Significant problems

Substance AbuseUnnecessary risksHigh Blood Pressure Heart Attack Suicide

Your magic bracelets for the job

o Clarify your job description.o Learn to say no.o Practice healthy communication.o Develop a support system.

o Maintain a sense of humor.o Listen to music.

o Eat a healthy lunch.o Take your full lunch break and physically leave your work area.o Take a break.

o Remember: Nobody dies in a bibliographic emergency.

Magic Bracelets for Your Office Environment

Personalize your work area.

Add floor or desk lamps to soften the effect of fluorescent lighting.

Add plants.

Your Personal Magic Bracelets

o Take time off.

o Exercise.

o Find a hobby.

o Volunteer.

o Pray (good nutrition for the soul).

o Meditate.

o Seek counseling if necessary.

Personal experience?

Questions?