28, February 2025

The Role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Library User Services: A Research Analysis

Author(s): Dr. Stephen. G.

Authors Affiliations:

Assistant Librarian, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

DOIs:10.2018/SS/202502008     |     Paper ID: SS202502008


Abstract
Keywords
Cite this Article/Paper as
References

Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill set for modern librarians. It enables them to manage user interactions effectively, reduce workplace stress, and create a more positive library environment that serves diverse patron needs better. Understanding and managing emotions have become as crucial as traditional librarian competencies in today's increasingly complex library environment. Modern libraries serve as dynamic community hubs where diverse populations intersect, creating an environment that demands more than just technical knowledge from library professionals. Research has shown (Michele A.L. Villagran and Lisa Martin, 2022) that emotional intelligence (EI) is vital in creating positive library experiences and fostering successful patron interactions. This paper examines how emotional intelligence enables librarians to effectively manage user interactions, reduce workplace stress, and create a more positive library environment that better serves diverse patron needs.

Emotional Intelligence (EI), Librarians, Library Service, Patrons, Empathy, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal Skills, Self-Awareness.

Dr. Stephen. G.(2025); The Role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Library User Services: A Research Analysis,  Shikshan Sanshodhan : Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,   ISSN(o): 2581-6241,  Volume – 8,   Issue –  2.,  Pp.51-55.      Available on –   https://shikshansanshodhan.researchculturesociety.org/

REFERENCES:

  1. Daniel Goleman. (1995).  Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
  2. Debra Lucas. (2020). Emotional Intelligence for Librarians. Library Readership & Management, 34(3), 1- 14.
  3. Khan, A., Masrek, M.N. and Nadzar, F.M. (2015), “An investigation of the training needs on emotional intelligence of academic librarians”, Library Review, Vol. 64 No. 8/9, pp. 597-613. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-04-2015-0040.
  4. Khan A, Masrek MN, Nadzar FM. EI and job satisfaction of academic librarians: An assessment of the relationship. J Lib Inf Sci, 49(2):199-210. doi: 10.1177/0961000616650733.
  5. Michele A. L. Villagran. (2022). Curious about emotional intelligence and happiness in academic librarians? How did this research collaboration come to be? https://ischool.sjsu.edu/ciri-blog/curious-about-emotional-intelligence-and-happiness-academic-librarians-and-how-research.
  6. Michele A.L. Villagran & Lisa Martin (2022). Academic librarians: Their understanding and use of emotional intelligence and happiness. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(1), 1-11.
  7. Onwubiko & Emmanuel Chidiadi. (2020). “Librarians’ emotional Intelligence as a correlate of effective library management and performance.” Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 4508. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4508.
  8. Oyeboade, J. A. (2016). “Emotional Intelligence of Library Personnel and Library Work Productivity in Selected Academic Libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria” . Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 1421. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1421.
  9. Sara Jafari & Soodabeh Shapouri. (2018). The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence of Librarians and Satisfaction of Library Users in the libraries of the University of Guilan, Iran. Caspian J Health Res 3(2), 64-68.

 

Web References:

 

 


Download Full Paper

Download PDF No. of Downloads:11 | No. of Views: 84