Digital competency stress and coping mechanisms: A study of college librarians' experiences with emerging technologies in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the digital competency stress and coping mechanisms among college librarians in Pakistan. The research used an expanded version of the transactional model of stress and coping theory as a theoretical framework. The data was collected from 302 college librarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province of Pakistan, through an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal that rapid technological change and technological complexity significantly contribute to digital competency stress among librarians, challenging their ability to adapt and perform in a constantly evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, coping mechanisms through social media platforms emerged as effective tools to mitigate this stress, enhancing both learning and peer collaboration. These insights shed light on the critical need for targeted interventions to reduce digital competency stress, such as specialized training programs and resource accessibility, which can empower librarians to navigate the digital divide more effectively. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on stress management in the digital era and offers practical implications for policymakers and library administrators to enhance the digital resilience of college librarians in developing regions.