Redefining academic library work: Telecommuting potential in post-COVID Ghana

Abstract

Traditionally, librarians have been limited to a physical facility either because their role demanded face-to-face interaction or because they had their work materials housed in the building. With the work of libraries and librarians increasingly becoming more mobile, a lot of work can conveniently be done from a laptop at any location. This study assessed the points of view of academic librarians in Ghana on telecommuting and its feasibility in the Ghanaian landscape. It employed an exploratory case study design to sample a total of 57 respondents through the administration of a questionnaire. The findings reveal that the academic librarians were in favour of telecommuting and were willing to telecommute at least once a week. Additionally, there was the improved benefit of having flexible working hours and reduced travel time. A major challenge that was expected to be encountered was the resistance of management to formally adopting telecommuting.