Personal and Environmental Factors Affecting the Job Satisfaction of Professionals and Paraprofessionals in Pakistani University Libraries

Abstract

This study aimed at measuring the job satisfaction of library professionals and paraprofessionals working in the university libraries of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This study's targeted population was 232 library professionals, and paraprofessionals working in 17 Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized university libraries. A questionnaire was designed with the help of existing literature and theories. Face validity and reliability was ensured before data collection. A total of 146 respondents willingly responded to the questionnaire, and therefore the response rate was 63%. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied through SPSS for data analysis. According to the results, professionals were more satisfied than paraprofessionals in promotion, technology innovation, and job autonomy. Both groups wanted improvement in fringe benefits. Multiple Regression analysis showed that personal and environmental factors significantly contributed to professional and paraprofessional staff's job satisfaction. Environmental predictors are influential contributors to overall job satisfaction for both groups. This study develops a better understanding of the subject. It supports the authorities to review the policies of salary, promotion, continuing education, technology innovation, job autonomy and fringe benefits to enhance the productivity of the library professionals and paraprofessionals in their organizations. Moreover, this study helps the HEC, library associations, and university authorities in amending job structure policies to better the library profession in the country.