Motivating Academic Librarians: Implications of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory

摘要

This study examines the motivators of academic librarians that helped them achieve their tasks efficiently. It also investigates the implications of Maslow's theory of needs in managing an academic environment. The study followed a qualitative method using a survey. Therefore, the population of this research consisted of the academic librarians in 9 college libraries at Kuwait University. The data was collected and analyzed. Findings showed noticeably that employees in Kuwait University libraries perceived a fair level of satisfaction and motivation within their libraries in all the five levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Results of the study might be useful to those in the library field interested in motivation, academic librarians, and managers in the academic environment. Besides, the study adds to the literature in the management of information organization field, as no previous studies on this topic were located.