Navigating Work-Life Balance in Library and Information Science: A Systematic Review of Global Trends, Challenges, and Evidence- Based Interventions
Annu Kumari, Neelam Thapa
International Journal of Information Studies, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6025/ijis/2026/18/3/136-157
Link: https://www.dline.info/ijis/fulltext/v18n3/ijisv18n3_3.pdf
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.