Obstacles Faced by Millennial Librarians in Academic Libraries

Ouma Malatji; Kwetepe Julious Malatji

doi:10.25159/2663-659X/16114

Authors

Ouma Malatji SASA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6891-1863
Kwetepe Julious Malatji https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5886-5829 https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5886-5829

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/16114

Keywords:

academic librarians, academic libraries, librarian, Millennial librian, South African higher education

Abstract

In the daily rendering of library services, librarians are faced with obstacles which affect how they carry out their duties. Sometimes the obstacles faced have a negative impact on service delivery but at other times they lead to librarians thinking out of the box to render services to users. The purpose of this study was to investigate the obstacles faced by millennial librarians in academic libraries with the objective of proposing strategies to address these obstacles. A post-positivist research paradigm was adopted and both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis. The study found that the major hindrance to providing effective library services was lack of funds for books and electronic materials. Although a lack of resources might affect other librarians, the situation is far worse for millennial librarians because technology is expensive and constantly needs to be updated or replaced. Also, millennial librarians are faced with a lack of training and professional growth, low quality information and poor library collection, an excessive workload, and staff shortages. Based on the findings, the study recommends that libraries should align their functions and services with current technological and general trends, increase the library budget, and provide librarians with the appropriate training.

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