Abstract:
Library staff are often depicted as a de-motivated lot, especially the lower level staff, due to the mundane routine library work. To understand the concept of work motivation, this essay reviews the classic content theories of work motivation in the light of established criticisms of these theories. Through current examples of work behaviour of library employees, the essay presents new arguments that support a view that a modified need theory is needed. Library managers and leaders will learn about the different concepts of work motivation theories and how these theories can be applied to the benefit of their libraries through staff motivation. The five content theories of work motivation that are discussed are those by Maslow, Alderfer, McGregor, Herzberg and McClelland. The new model of need theory of work motivation is based on the type and level of work of the library staff concerned so as to make the need theory applicable and relevant to all levels of library staff.
