Cornell University Ergonomics Web

Participatory Ergonomics in a University Library
An Case Study

Master's Thesis
By Dena Tepper
Committee Chair: Alan Hedge
Minor Member: Paul Eshelman

Background

• By 1984 almost all librarians were using VDTs to some extent
• By 1987 the work of library staff had changed dramatically from the work performed as little as five or even one year earlier (Vasi, 1987).
• The rapid increase of computers in libraries has not been accompanied by changes in workstation design (Busch 1984; Vasi, 1987; Olsgaard, 1989).

Libraries and computer related injuries

• As early as 1986 reports of VDT related injuries appeared in library publications
• A survey of 58 public libraries conducted in 1990 revealed that of 38 responding libraries, seventeen libraries (44.7%) reported one or more of their employees with CTS or "related injury" (Kusack, 1990).

Previous Research on Libraries

Library Workstation Requirements Identified

Sufficient worksurface:

• Michaels et al. (1992) recommend 80 square feet as a basic library staff workstation
• Wilkinson et al. (1993) recommend that two feet of work space be provided on at least one side of the VDT

Worksurface height:

• Ideally worksurface height should be adjustable (Steinhagen, 1992; Wright et al., 1992; Michaels, 1992; Kusack, 1990).

Purpose of the Study

The purpose was to conduct a systematic investigation and to develop a set of recommendations for the purchasing of furniture.  Emphasis was to be placed on accommodating tasks and equipment which are specific to the library environment.  Involvement of library staff in the process was to be stressed.

Here are a couple of examples of workstations at the Library:

This picture is an example of a workstation which is not well suited to computer work. Here an old typewriter stand is being used for a computer, providing no adjustablility to the work surface. A lumbar support has been added to a chair which meets almost none of the requirements for ergonomic design and the arrangement of the workstation, specifically the location of the two garbage pails leaves little leg room.

This picture when compared to the previous one is a good illustration of the variability in the workstations at the library. This is an example of a "newer" workstation. The piles of books and other materials on either side of the keyboard are a perfect illustration of one of the major concerns raised in the focus groups, namely the need for more surface area.

 

After doing an initial walkthrough and completing an inventory of the current workstations a study process was developed. Four methods were chosen to evaluate the current situation:

• Postural Analysis using RULA completed by myself and an assistant
• Musculoskeletal Discomfort Survey distributed to all employees asking them to indicate location and extent of discomfort
• Workstation Evaluation Survey distributed to all employees asking them to evaluate elements of their current workstation
• Focus Groups conducted by myself with representatives of each task group in order to determine the design needs of each task group
• Mock-up workstation set up in the library
• Intervention

Results

The Mock-Up

Workstation Recommendations

Workstation options:

1. desk with right return
2. desk with left return
3. desk with two returns

• Panel systems allow for height adjustable worksurfaces, returns can be set at different heights than the primary worksurface. Freestanding desks are generally fixed height.
• Panel systems also allow for overhead storage which is generally not possible with freestanding desks.

Primary worksurface depth:  minimum 30" to allow for document/book holder in front of monitor

Primary worksurface width:  minimum 60" with one return (24" depth) minimum 66" with two returns (24" depth)

Return depth:   24" if it is not used as a computer surface; 30" if there is a chance the computer will go there.

Return width:  minimum 30"

Storage:

• small drawers for office supplies
• large drawers for files and personal belongings
  
  These can be accomplished with a rolling pedestal which is low enough that it will not
  restrict the full height adjustability of the panels
  
  
• shelves for reference materials and books
  
  Shelves a varying sizes can be attached to panel systems even with a panel 54" high

Keyboard system:  there should be a keyboard system, like the Proformix system tested in this study, attached to the workstation which can accommodate both the keyboard and mouse. Keyboard system should be both height adjustable and angle adjustable to below 0 degrees.

Choice of document holders including:   Bookholder which can accommodate books of varying sizes, small paper document holder, document holder to accommodate large documents (e.g. printouts).

Dena Tepper