An Investigation of Complaints of Shoulder Pain and Discomfort from Library Workers and the Redesign of a Circulation Desk

Abstract

Checking out books and other media for library patrons is a typical job in most libraries. The checkout job is done at King County Library System by Library Assistants at a circulation desk. Some Library Assistants experienced shoulder pain or discomfort. Ergonomics evaluations were performed to determine the ergonomics risk factors in the checkout job that could contribute to stress to the shoulders. The ergonomics evaluations identified ergonomics risk factors that could cause shoulder pain or discomfort that were directly related to the circulation desk design. The results of the ergonomics evaluations were used to develop a new circulation desk design. The new design successfully addressed the problems identified in the original circulation desks, created a more efficient workstation compatible with the tasks involved in checking out books for the patrons, and reduced the probability of shoulder injury. This paper describes the findings of the ergonomics evaluations and the results of the changes in the new circulation desk design.