Beyond Burnout: Sustaining Librarian Health and Well-Being Worldwide

Abstract

In recent years, burnout has seen a growing prevalence throughout different industries, including in libraries. Librarians often suffer in silence or say nothing out of fear of repercussions or due to vocational awe--the idea that it is OK to feel burnout at work because the work you do is valuable and worth the pain it causes you.

In Fall 2025, librarians working in all types of libraries were asked to complete an anonymous, voluntary survey to measure their burnout. The purpose of this study was to provide more insight into the experience of burnout amongst librarians and provide a broader view for library leaders to take steps to address burnout.

This poster will review the results of the study, as well as initial conclusions that can be drawn from the data. Additionally, international library literature will be combined to provide tips on how librarians and library leaders can manage burnout to create a healthier work environment. Burnout will not go away by remaining silent. It must be brought into the open and action taken if we want to improve the wellbeing of our profession and see it thrive for the next 100 years of IFLA.