Abstract

This study surveyed 129 librarians of public libraries in the northwestern region of Seoul to identify harmful factors under the assumption that the work and environmental factors of them would burden their musculoskeletal system and influence their work satisfaction. The results of this study showed that the musculoskeletal symptoms in the shoulder, one of the general items, were more frequently observed in women than in men. Secondly, the musculoskeletal symptoms in the arms and elbows, one of the working environment characteristics, were most frequently reported when they worked more than one year and less than three years. The musculoskeletal symptoms in the waist were influenced by the operation method; the librarians of public libraries entrusted to the Office of Education or a local government showed symptoms more frequently. The musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck were affected by working hours; librarians working in the day shift showed neck symptoms more frequently than those working in the night shift. Thirdly, when the characteristics of the work environment were examined, the musculoskeletal symptoms in the hands, wrists, and fingers were highly frequent under all characteristics of the work environment, the musculoskeletal symptoms in the waist were highly frequent under all characteristics of the work environment except for work satisfaction, and the musculoskeletal symptoms in the legs and feet were highly frequent according to the proficiency, work intensity, and physical burden. Fourthly, this study evaluated the differences in musculoskeletal symptoms according to the work satisfaction of individuals. The results revealed that the occurrence frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms for all body parts decreased as work satisfaction increased. Therefore, it will be necessary for the main body of public library operation to improve the work and working environments and enhance the work satisfaction of individuals by reducing the physical burden of the librarian of public libraries through adjusting the work intensity in order for the health of the librarian of public libraries.