The problem of low Morale among library staff in government higher learning institutions in Mbeya region, Tanzania

This study had a general goal of assessing the problem of low morale among library staff in government higher learning institutions in Mbeya region, Tanzania. This overall objective was achieved by finding out the reasons for low morale among library staff; examining the condition of their working environment; investigating the methods used to motivate library staff currently; determining the existing relationship between library directors and their staff and lastly identifying ways in which low morale among library staff in government higher learning institutions can be improved. Various techniques including questionnaires, focused group discussion and structured interview were used in collection of data. The data was collected from 81 respondents including library staff, faculty members and students. The analysis of the data was done using SPSS with the consideration of specifications of descriptive statistics and cross tabulation. The study found that, the library staff morale is moderate and not low as perceived before by the research. Ultimately, the study recommends that, the library directors should avoid using one type of leadership style in leading their workers. However, contingency/ situational leadership style is recommended as the best style to be used by the library directors because of its advantages; library staff should be involved in decision making; offered training opportunities; involved in decision making; on-time promotion; valued like other staff and optimum workload as the best ways of improving library staff morale. Similar studies can be done to private institutions in higher learning institutions, as this research concentrated on the problem of low morale among library staff in only government higher learning institutions in Mbeya region, Tanzania