Navigating Work-Life Balance in Library and Information Science: A Systematic Review of Global Trends, Challenges, and EvidenceBased Interventions

Annu Kumari; Neelam Thapa

Annu Kumari Ph.D. Research Scholar Department of Library and Information Science Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya Sagar. India
Neelam Thapa Assistant Professor Department of Library and Information Science Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya Sagar. India

Abstract

This systematic study examines the literature on work life balance (WLB) among library professionals to identify publication trends, influencing factors, challenges, and evidence based interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, 46 peer reviewed documents published between 2008 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Statistical analyses, including Poisson regression and Chi-square tests, revealed a statistically significant upward trend in scholarly output, particularly accelerating after 2020. However, the research landscape remains geographically skewed, heavily dominated by the United States and the United Kingdom, and hyper concentrated within the Journal of Academic Librarianship. The synthesis identifies a clear hierarchy of WLB determinants. Organizational constraints, specifically heavy workloads (cited in all 46 studies) and workplace inflexibility (41 studies), emerge as the most pervasive barriers, closely followed by family related responsibilities. Consequently, library staff universally report profound challenges, including stressful work environments, declining health, and lack of concentration. In response, the literature demonstrates strong consensus on critical interventions: implementing flexible workschedules (45 studies), continuous skill development programs, formal WLB policies, and equitable shift duties. Ultimately, this review underscores that WLB in the library and information science sector is not merely an individual responsibility but a structural imperative. Library administrators and policymakers must prioritize tangible institutional reforms such as equitable workload distribution and supportive workplace infrastructure to mitigate burnout, enhance job satisfaction, and ensure long term career sustainability and high quality information services.

References

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