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 and inferential 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 a range 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 to minimize 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

user for lumbar support, and seat back. It should also protect the curvature of the spine to maintain good posture. Karanek (2005) and Clark (2006) suggested the most important features of a chair should have a lumbar support with adjustable height, with tilt ability, and tilt lock. Atencio (1996) stated a different view regarding desk. Different activities such as reading, writing, and typing require different desk arrangement to accommodate the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and whatever tools needed. For Rooney (1994) the desk needs to be large enough to have document holders attached to the side of the monitor or to be free standing on the desk top to prevent the head from having to move up or down which can cause headache. Likewise, items must be arranged according to the preference of the workers and that the height of the desk is determined primarily by the staffs according to their comfort. Tamayo’s study (2006) showed that posture is an important factor that contributes illness or injuries preferably at the lower back of the body, thus proper sitting position in the workplace is necessary to avoid injuries and pain. Moreover, lumbar support from the chair is needed to support the lower back and a relax posture when working with the computer is needed to make the body comfortable. According to Bridger (1995), the decisions about the appropriateness and relative advantages of different designs can be made only after considering the characteristics of the users and the requirement of their jobs.

The keyboard and mouse are components of computers which are used to input data and retrieve information. A keyboard platform should allow the user to easily change height and depth as different tasks necessitate. The computer mouse (LaGesse, 2003) causes more hand and arm pain than keyboard. Improper use of the mouse like extending the arm away in the performance of the necessary activities can cause arm and shoulder pain. Goodwin (2004) and Hanson (2004) found that shoulder discomfort is caused by stretching the arms to reach the mouse. A related study of Sanders and McCormick (1993) found that the increased usage of mouse became a major cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. To lessen or avoid the said disorder, they suggested that the mouse should be kept within the Neutral Reach Zone. This is the area that can be conveniently reached with a sweep of the arm while the upper arm hangs in a natural position at the side. The monitor also should be placed directly in line with the keyboard to minimize twisting of the neck or body. Maintaining body symmetry is a critical component of healthful work habits. Rooney (1994) attested that the screen monitor should be adjustable on both vertical swivel and vertical tilt. The screen should be 30.5 centimeters in length and should be located at or below eye level to avoid muscle strain. Anti-glare glitters should be fitted with an anti-glare hood to prevent eyestrain, with the screen provision of adjustment in both brightness and contrast. Dark characters on a bright background are less stressful on the eyes than a negative display on bright characters on dark background.

Furthermore, ergonomic design, according to Savage, Rossner, and Finke (1993) must suit the needs of people who use the equipment. The needs normally relate to controlling their placement, dimensioning of equipment, arraying component placement, and to the types of materials. According to Savage, Rossner, and Finke (1993) the human factors in general must be addressed for consideration in the design process. They are as follows: ▪ Equipment is only as good as its operator. ▪ People operate equipment in response to the design of the equipment. People must respond to many features of the equipment during operations. If people are not capable of paying attention to the operation, the equipment may fall or cause severe damage. ▪ Equipment design must take into account certain body characteristics that could result in uncomfortable or unsafe circumstances if not addressed. ▪ It is easier to modify equipment to match the human than to modify the human to match the equipment. Considering the importance of body symmetry, Morris and Dyer (1998) suggested that the source document should be held on the same level as the monitor screen because the placement of the document has a relative effect on the movement of the head and neck. Alternate placement of such documents from one side of the monitor to the other is recommended to avoid neck and shoulder stress.

Another major issue facing library staffs today is computer vision syndrome (CVS), which can cause headaches, eyestrain, neck and back pain, and light sensitivity. Lighting with excessive brightness may cause glare that can be corrected by proper positioning and tilting of monitor and adjustment of blinds. Atencio (1996) found that eyestrain is caused by high levels of fatigue, errors at work, and lost days of productions which are characterized by: • screen glare from lights, windows, glossy paper, book cover or shiny desk; • brightness, color, contrast, filter and geometric distortion of monitor; • the intensive use of computer; and • preexisting eye conditions. Guarascio-Howard (2005) reviewed three disciplines, ergonomics, human factors, and lighting design to explore the influence on computer workstations. Results showed that participants who used the computer in less than twenty hours per week were more sensitive to the human factors and ergonomic issues. Proper temperature is contributory to perform mental operation comfortably without being too hot or too cold. According to Galer (1987), offices with poor ventilation and temperature that are either too hot or too cold can result in loss of efficiency, discomfort, and increase rates of accident and sickness. Overheating can cause lethargy and lack of concentration, while overcooling can induce restlessness. Both conditions may lead to increased errors and poor performance. Hence, the maintenance of a comfortable thermal environment is essential (Morris & Dyer, 1998).

Air quality is another component of ergonomic workstation which provides sufficient ventilation, humidity, and temperature. Lindin (1991) found that air-borne organic compound plus interaction with other physical factors such as ventilation, humidity, and temperature significantly affect librarians because they do not have control over the opening of windows and air temperature. Sharma and Singh (2006) noted that the vitality of the staff may result in maximum output based on the following conditions: • Pieces of furniture are arranged to expedite duties without loss of motion on time; • Allocation of enough space per person; • Proper condition of ventilation and heating; and • Lighting of workplace that supplies sufficient illumination without glare. Another study by Lacsamana (2002) was about the assessment of ergonomic practices in cataloging department of selected universities in Metro Manila. The investigation was undertaken to ascertain catalogers’ ergonomic awareness so that they could have more successful and productive work outcome. Findings showed that ergonomic awareness and practices were nil. The different literature cited on the subject invariably point out the importance of ergonomics in the workstation of staffs and workers. These literatures focus primarily on the ergonomic principles and programs preventing repetitive strain injuries, ergonomic equipment, library ergonomics, health and safety guidelines, and workstation design.

Due to the importance of the library in the educational system, library staffs serve as the key persons in the provision of unquantifiable information services needed by the library’s community of users. Poor working condition may adversely affect the physical well-being of library staffs. Findings of numerous studies conducted on ergonomics in the workstation workers abroad revealed that consciousness about ergonomics had generated physical fitness programs devoted to health and well-being in the office environment. The development of Library Ergonomics Committee aims to fit the machine to man. Considerable suggestions and ways to adjust the workplace are provided by giving proper training on how to make the workplace conducive for work in order to prevent or minimize physical strain brought about by uncomfortable workstation. The different literatures and studies reviewed were either focused on the physiological condition of staffs and the environmental condition in their workstation not in the library. In the Philippines, there were also studies conducted in Central Luzon specifically in Angeles City but these studies were however about workstations of other fields but not a single one discussed on how library staffs are ergonomically fitted in their workstation. It is in this context that this study was conducted.
Theoretical Framework Ergonomics seeks to maximize safety, efficiency, and comfort by shaping the working environment to the operator’s capabilities. The library staff, being the operator,

is linked to machine (called computer). A relationship is established between the operator and the machine in order for them to work together.

[pic]
The Man-Machine Loop adapted from D.J. Oborne p.14

Fig. 1 Paradigm of the Study

As shown in Figure 1, there is a person and there is also a machine intervened by the environment in the workplace. As the person operates the machine (computer), he/she controls it with the use of keyboard, mouse and monitor using the affector (muscles) and perceptual systems (eyes). The operator’s ability to see the message on a computer

screen can be adversely affected by the lighting in the workstation producing glare on the screen. Uncomfortable temperature, air quality, and furniture are other factors that can interfere and disrupt library staffs’ concentration. The quality of information transmitted from the operator to the system and back again is mediated by the environment. Ergonomics has been previously illustrated and discussed to investigate the operator and the environment as equal partners within the total working system. Oborne (1995) further attested the man-machine system is the total interaction between the operator and the environment.

DISCUSSION Libraries are labor-intensive organizations that include professional, paraprofessional and non-professional in the library workforce. The researcher noted 84% and 86.2% female staffs dominated in academic and school libraries, respectively. Predominantly in small libraries specifically school libraries, the works of professional librarians were not closely demarcated from those works of staffs because of limited personnel. As a result, various work tasks were being performed by one man-librarian ranging from managerial to clerical work. The multifarious jobs did not confine the librarians to spend more hours in their computer unless they make reports and update library records. They used to delegate work with support staff and train them in technical, reference, selection and acquisition work, and even managerial tasks. Only those librarians in prestigious schools of Angeles City had necessary staffs with the designated job tasks. There was a great number of library staff who worked at a younger age with 19-38 years old, very few had remained in the library for so long both in academic and school libraries. This was brought by the requirements set by institutions for employee like tenure. It took quite sometime to become permanent thus, leaving only few loyal staff in the workforce. Only nine out of 56 staff in academic libraries and only one staff in school institutions had earned MA in Library Science but most of them were pursuing their graduate degree for the continuous advancement in the profession.

With the evolution of technology in libraries, library staffs enrolled themselves for further studies in order to provide timely and efficient library service relevant to library patrons.
Along with this, libraries continued to improve their collections from print to digital format along with the acquisition of hardware peripherals. Nowadays, computers operate in the libraries together with the improvement and growth of library facilities and furniture. As found by the researcher, the lighting condition varies based on the setup and structure of the library. Bright environment brings glare on the monitor though enough illumination is needed to perform their library works such as encoding library records and reports and when surfing the Net. Office staff near windows had more reflections and shadows on the computer monitor as the ray of light passes through the windows and window glasses that surround the office. Direct light from fluorescent tubes also produce glare as light bounces back on the monitor. It is for this reason that other offices have computer filters on their monitor to help reduce the excess light. As stated by Atencio (1996) excessive lighting was brought by improper ergonomics and poor-quality or inappropriately adjusted video display terminals (VDTs) but in order to cut glare, windows need to have blinds or drapes or rather move the workstation or configure the workstation in a way to reduce or eliminate the glare. Describing how comfortable the respondents with the available furniture and equipment, findings showed that the chairs were poorly designed with no adjustable control to suit the user. Many libraries used monoblock chairs with no armrest and no

cushion for the buttocks. The height of the office desk and angle of the keyboard of the respondents were usually high on the height of their elbow causing strain on their shoulder, hand and arm. The mouse should be placed in a position where arms and wrists can comfortably reduce strain. The keyboard and mouse should be around the waist level which promoted a 90-degree angle at the elbow that would encourage straight wrist position so that the forearms would be in a relax position at the side. The monitors were either too high or too low that depend on the available desk used by the library staff. And as mentioned, the respondents did not have footrest. Consequently, they rest their feet on the base of the ergonomic chair which cannot be done in plastic chairs. Footrest is wanting for those with seat that is too high for the user. There were some respondents who did not have particular working table because they transferred their work to any vacant table. As a result, further training is needed to help improve the awareness of the library staffs on how to fit their body comfortably with their desk, chair, keyboard, and monitor. Library staff in academic libraries found comfortable with the temperature in their workstation because of the air conditioned workplace. A regulated temperature suited to the library staffs was noted. Few school libraries were found by the researcher to have confined to the use of electric fans and exhaust fans whereby library staffs were not comfortable with the temperature and with the poor ventilation because of the arrangement of their office. As Sharma and Singh (2006) had noted, “Proper conditions of ventilation and heating are important for the comfort and health of personnel.”

Eyestrain yielded not as the major discomfort of the library staffs. Respondents used corrective lenses for proper vision. The lower rating of eyestrain can be attributed to the fact that most of the respondents were young. According to Pheasant (1991) elderly people are more prone to eyestrain than younger people. With enough illumination in the workstation, eyestrain cannot be associated with poor lighting, poor quality of source documents, and the presence of flickering lights. A slight symptom of pain was experienced on the neck because of the position on the monitor. Proper distance and viewing placement of the monitor as well as with the use of copy holder can alleviate neck discomfort. Many of the computer desks in libraries are not adjustable but most of them were parallel on the height of the library staffs. With the slight discomfort on the height of the desk, minimal pain was experienced on the wrist, neck, and shoulder. This pain was also felt when library staffs spent long hours in front of the computer, fatigue developed in the muscles because of repetitive and static posture. Musculoskeletal work injuries afflict people who perform not only heavy work but also those who perform light tasks (Karwowski & Marras, 1993). The type of chair used by library staffs contributed to how well their back was comfortably resting on the chair. Those respondents with high chair whose feet did not flatly reach the floor as they sat on the edge of the chair, claimed that their back did not rest comfortably on their chair with which pain at their lower back was felt. Inadequate

cushion on the chair added on the strain on the buttocks and back with the use of hard plastic chair. The angle and height of the keyboard caused slight pain among library staffs because their elbows were not properly bent at 90-degreee angle. The positions of the respondents’ elbow were not in conformity with what is required. As Green & Briggs (1989) commented that the height of the keyboard should be at elbow level. The design of the working chair contributes to the comfort of the respondents’ legs. Slight pain was experienced on the legs and feet especially when they spent long hours sitting on their chair. Pain was also felt on this area because they forgot to recline their feet to avoid discomfort. The ergonomic program is composed of break, workstation adjustment, and work-safety concern. The study found out that both library staffs did not regularly take break because the shifting time corresponds on the number of available staff to alternate with the other staff when taking break. Conversely, there were about 14 of the respondents who revealed of their preoccupied time to take even mini-break. Most of them did not also take some minutes of office exercises to energize their body from stress. The respondents made low rating on having exercises because they were not used to care about themselves on the benefit they could gain from taking computer exercises. Along with this, their performance ratings were also affected because most of them were not practicing any form of office exercises. In the study of Caguiat (2001) she found out that "breaks during work" is one of the most common and effective stress reduction

techniques aside from taking exercises to reduce muscle tension. The rating made by the respondents in line with their ability to improve their workstation indicated their resourcefulness in designing their workstation.
Summary
The library staffs were known as frontline providers of information service to the library community of users. They devote their time in the library in delivering their unquantifiable functions and duties. For this reason, it is worth knowing to study the physical condition of the library staffs in their workplace to provide quality service to library patrons. The people behind the accomplishment of every library are its library staffs and workers. It is in this line, the researcher attempted to find out how ergonomically designed were the workstations of the staffs of the seven (7) academic institutions and eleven (11) schools from pre-elementary to secondary institutions in Angeles City. Findings showed that: 1. Younger library staffs were relatively more on academic and school libraries. 2. Female library staffs dominated the male library staffs on both academic and school institutions. 3. Majority of the academic and school institutions called their library staffs librarians. Only one institution had library director and with secretary. The rest called their library manager as head librarian. 4. Almost half of the respondents of both academic and school libraries held degrees other than library science. The rest were Bachelor of Library and Information

Science and Bachelor of Library Science. About one-third (1/3) of them on both academic and school institutions pursue their master degrees while few had finished Master in Library Science and Educational Management. 5. Academic library staffs felt more comfortable in terms of lighting, correct level of the monitor, the temperature and air quality in their workstation than those library staffs in school libraries. 6. Workstations of school library needed modifications on their computer accessories, keyboards, monitor stand, chairs and work environments. 7. Both library staffs in academic and school libraries felt the same degree of pain on their shoulder, back, legs, and feet. 8. Pain on the wrist were more experienced by library staffs in school libraries but more of the library staffs in academic libraries experienced pain at their neck when working at their computer. 9. No break period or exercises had been done by most of the staffs on both academic and school institution. 10. Majority of the respondents were unaware about library ergonomics programs. 11. There were significant differences between the library ergonomics of the academic and school institutions in their workstations in terms of lighting and elevation of the computer monitor within eye level. On the other hand, the temperature and air quality between the two types of libraries showed no significant differences.

Conclusion Based on the foregoing findings, the researcher concludes: The two types of institutions have varying degrees of comfortability of their library staffs’ workstations. The academic and school institutions also differ to a small extent of comfortability of the library staffs’ workstations specifically with the position and type of equipment (i.e. monitor, mouse, keyboard, the kind of furniture, i.e. tables, chairs, desks); place of workstation including the presence, placement of windows, window glasses used; and the presence of air supply and heat supply (temperature). The existence of training programs and presence of break time and physical exercises are necessary to minimize if not eliminate physical strain and discomfort in the workstation. Significant differences between the library ergonomics of the academic and school libraries in Angeles City differ in terms of lighting and the placement of the computer monitor within the eye level of the library staffs. This gives way to reject the null hypothesis. However, there are no significant differences revealed in the condition of the temperature and air quality in the computing workstation of the library staffs. Recommendation In light of these findings and conclusions, it is needed to formulate necessary and viable steps to:
1. Provide ergonomic evaluation to identify individual personnel with ergonomically related problems and those at high risk for ergonomic injuries which needs assistance in

modifying their workstation, keyboards, monitor support, chairs, and work environment to achieve more comfort and productivity.
2. Establish an ergonomic program such as seminars and trainings. These bring awareness and consciousness on the safety measures for the working conditions to all library personnel to remedy and prevent workplace injuries.
3. Adopt a recognize library ergonomic program that includes dissemination of ergonomic information to raise staff awareness on workstation safety, proper postures, healthy work habits and exercises, and other ergonomic-related activities.
4. Encourage supervisors to advise staffs on following the existing ergonomic guidelines with an eye for more adjustments and improvements.
5. Install software for stretching exercises at individual computers.
6. Further studies are encouraged to probe deeper into the physical design of the library affecting the well-being of the library staffs in relation to the quality of service given to the library patrons.

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Lighting
Temp.
Air quality
Desk
Chair

Environment

Environment

Controls

Displays

Effector System
(Limbs)

Perceptual System
(Eyes, etc.)

MACHINE

PERSON