“I am considering leaving soon” – Turnover Intentions of Academic Librarians in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The interest to investigate the turnover intentions of academic librarians in Zimbabwe stems from the fact the labour market in Zimbabwe is characterized by high levels of employee turnover and increasing low levels job security. Academic libraries like any other employer have therefore found themselves wanting in providing adequate services including adequately remunerating their employees thus leaving the employees with no option but to look beyond their employers as a source of livelihood. An e-questionnaire was designed purposively targeting 65 academic librarians in 10 state owned and 3 private universities across Zimbabwe. Additional data was gathered by purposively sampling 6 senior librarians for interviews to triangulate the data gathered through the e-questionnaires. Salaries and conditions of service, job performance, career growth, work environment, job satisfaction, supervisory style, promotional opportunities, and employee commitment were identified as the factors shaping turnover intentions of academic librarians in Zimbabwe.