Introduction: In the dynamic digital landscape, academic libraries are transforming significantly, shifting their focus towards supporting an information-driven economy rather than merely providing ready-made solutions. The ever-expanding demand for information and media-savvy individuals equipped with the essential skills to navigate the vast sea of genuine information and disinformation online presents a new challenge for library professionals. Today’s technologically adept generation, often called the “Google generation” or the “Net Generation,” has grown up in a digital era, fundamentally altering its information processing and learning approach. As they challenge traditional educational paradigms, academic libraries must adapt to this changing environment and play a crucial role in fostering information literacy among users. The availability of digital collections plays a pivotal role in facilitating knowledge creation, but merely offering access to resources is not enough. Librarians now serve as guides and facilitators, encouraging users to find answers independently rather than providing ready solutions. Librarians play a vital role in this shift, emphasizing the educational use of digital collections ensuring that library services are accessible and user-friendly for online users. Amid the rising competition from alternative information providers and services, academic libraries must align themselves more closely with the unique needs of their institutions. This requires a more diverse approach, differentiating libraries as universities strive to set themselves apart. Library and Informational Science (LIS) professionals cannot rely solely on their university experiences to shape modern academic libraries’ design and delivery of services. A comprehensive understanding of the digital environment and evolving user expectations is essential for effectively navigating this transformative journey.
1.1 The Changing Roles of Libraries and Library Professionals:
Once perceived as mere storehouses of books and librarians as caretakers of these collections, libraries and library professionals have undergone a profound transformation with the advent of technology. The rapid advancements in technology have revolutionized the library and information services field, reshaping the delivery of information from traditional sources to electronic resources, online databases, and digital storage and retrieval systems. Computers now play a crucial role in library processing, storing, and disseminating information. The quantitative assessment of resources no longer defines the value of libraries; instead, when managed adeptly, these changes can effectively provide the right information to the right user at the right time. Information and communication technology (ICT) has impacted intricate housekeeping operations and facilitated communication and networking for information collection and distribution, turning libraries into vast oceans of internet-based services.
The influence of ICT extends its reach to every profession, including librarianship, leading to an explosion of information and heightened user expectations. Library and information professionals must adapt to these evolving societal needs and working styles. The ever-changing landscape of technology necessitates continuous upgrades in technological awareness for library professionals to deliver the best possible services to their users.
In the past two decades, the dissemination of information has undergone a complete transformation, with a digital publication chain taking precedence, even for printed books. The culture of utilizing publications, particularly scholarly papers and journals, has shifted towards digital formats, valued for their rapidity and ease of access. This trend has contributed significantly to the digitization of printed culture, resulting in more printed books being digitized as technology progresses. Libraries now face the challenge of preserving printed heritage for future generations and deciding how to approach this process.
In the present era, the rapid development of technology, the digitalization of information, the abundance of e-resources, and the growing demands of users have reshaped the library landscape. Libraries have transcended their physical confines and transformed into digital or virtual libraries, accessible beyond traditional brick-and-mortar structures. Information and communication technology has triggered a drastic shift in traditional information storage, retrieval, and dissemination methods, prompting library professionals to transition from traditional librarians to information or technology managers. To stay relevant and effective in this ever-changing environment, today’s librarians must continuously update their knowledge of the latest technology.
1.2 LIS Professionals and Capacity Building:
Libraries have always been a primary source of knowledge and social development, catering to the diverse information needs of users worldwide, including students, researchers, and educators. Over time, libraries have witnessed significant transformations, from housing chained documents and clay tablets to handling digital resources in the cloud-based environment. While some traditional services have given way to the digital age, libraries play vital cultural, educational, and informational societal roles.
In today’s electronic society, libraries and information centers have embraced automation, with most resources available in electronic formats. This necessitates library professionals to adopt modern tools, techniques, and technology across all aspects of library functions, from collection development and organization to dissemination and preservation. To cater to the information needs of modern users, particularly the digitally savvy net generation, LIS professionals are compelled to enhance their skills and knowledge in handling contemporary tools and technologies.
Capacity-building programs for LIS professionals serve the purpose of planned development, aiming to improve their knowledge, output rate, management abilities, and overall capabilities through training, incentives, technology, and acquisition. These programs focus on enhancing effectiveness, often at the administrative level, and can be equated with terms like organizational development, institution building, and funding. By enhancing organizational capacities, such as infrastructure, operations, financial health, and programs, capacity-building initiatives ensure better efficiency and improved structures and processes.
The significance of capacity building goes beyond individual skills and extends to better societal environmental management. Through awareness-raising, education, training, and peer learning, these programs create a supportive environment with societal backing for effective environmental stewardship. Moreover, capacity-building efforts strengthen relationships between organizations and the outside environment, improve information systems, and enhance the ability of individuals to manage and protect the environment in various sectors. Overall, capacity building empowers LIS professionals and organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital era and meet the ever-evolving demands of modern users and society.
1.3 Changing Role of LIS Professionals in the Digital Environment:
Once perceived as mere storehouses of books and librarians as caretakers of these collections, libraries and library professionals have undergone a profound transformation with the advent of technology. The rapid advancements in technology have revolutionized the library and information services field, reshaping the delivery of information from traditional sources to electronic resources, online databases, and digital storage and retrieval systems. Computers now play a crucial role in library processing, storing, and disseminating information. The quantitative assessment of resources no longer defines the value of libraries; instead, when managed adeptly, these changes can effectively provide the right information to the right user at the right time. Information and communication technology (ICT) has impacted intricate housekeeping operations and facilitated communication and networking for information collection and distribution, turning libraries into vast oceans of internet-based services.
The influence of ICT extends its reach to every profession, including librarianship, leading to an explosion of information and heightened user expectations. Library and information professionals must adapt to these evolving societal needs and working styles. The ever-changing landscape of technology necessitates continuous upgrades in technological awareness for library professionals to deliver the best possible services to their users.
In the past two decades, the dissemination of information has undergone a complete transformation, with a digital publication chain taking precedence, even for printed books. The culture of utilizing publications, particularly scholarly papers and journals, has shifted towards digital formats, valued for their rapidity and ease of access. This trend has contributed significantly to the digitization of printed culture, resulting in more printed books being digitized as technology progresses. Libraries now face the challenge of preserving printed heritage for future generations and deciding how to approach this process.
In the present era, the rapid development of technology, the digitalization of information, the abundance of e-resources, and the growing demands of users have reshaped the library landscape. Libraries have transcended their physical confines and transformed into digital or virtual libraries, accessible beyond traditional brick-and-mortar structures. Information and communication technology has triggered a drastic shift in traditional information storage, retrieval, and dissemination methods, prompting library professionals to transition from traditional librarians to information or technology managers. To stay relevant and effective in this ever-changing environment, today’s librarians must continuously update their knowledge of the latest technology.
1.4 Core Skills Necessary for Library Professionals:
In the ever-evolving landscape of libraries, the role of library professionals has undergone a profound transformation, driven by advancements in information and communication technology (ICT). In this digital age, where access to vast information is at our fingertips, library professionals are pivotal in bridging the gap between users and the knowledge available. To effectively navigate this dynamic environment and meet the changing needs of library users, certain core skills have become essential for library professionals. These skills encompass diverse competencies, from technical expertise in managing digital resources to interpersonal abilities for fostering positive relationships with users and colleagues.
Libraries, once considered repositories of printed knowledge, have evolved into dynamic centers of information access and dissemination thanks to the emergence of technology. As digital resources and information proliferate, library professionals find themselves at the forefront of this transformation, tasked with harnessing technology’s power to provide cutting-edge services to users. Library professionals must possess a range of core skills tailored to the digital environment to meet these new challenges and fulfill their role as information navigators. These skills encompass technical expertise, such as proficiency in managing digital databases and online resources, as well as interpersonal abilities to understand and address the diverse needs of library patrons. This introductory exploration delves into the fundamental core skills that equip library professionals with the tools they need to thrive in the fast-paced world of information and communication technology, ensuring libraries remain vibrant and indispensable hubs of knowledge and learning.
To meet the changing needs of library users in the ICT environment, library professionals must continuously enhance their competencies to meet their changing needs. Competencies encompass knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes essential for achieving objectives. To perform their duties effectively, LIS professionals should possess the following core skills:
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is the foundation of successful library operations. Library professionals need strong communication skills to interact with users, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Clear and concise communication ensures that users receive the necessary assistance and information, while effective communication within the library team facilitates smooth coordination and collaboration. LIS professionals should be adept at verbal and written communication, including using digital communication tools such as email and messaging platforms.
- Technical Skills: In the digital age, libraries rely heavily on technology for their day-to-day operations. LIS professionals should possess technical skills to efficiently navigate various software, databases, and library management systems. These skills may include using Integrated Library Systems (ILS), digital repositories, cataloging tools, online databases, and other digital resources. Keeping up with technological advancements is crucial to manage and leverage these resources effectively.
- Leadership Skills: As information hubs, libraries require strong leadership to set goals, drive innovation, and motivate teams. Library professionals need leadership skills to guide their colleagues, establish a shared vision, and inspire everyone to work towards common objectives. Effective leadership fosters a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration within the library.
- Time Management Skills: Time management is vital to ensure efficient library services in the fast-paced digital environment. Library professionals must prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and allocate resources effectively. Proper time management enables them to handle multiple responsibilities, respond promptly to user queries, and maintain an organized work environment.
- User-Orientation Skills: Providing excellent user experience is paramount in modern libraries. LIS professionals should be skilled in understanding the information needs of library users and guiding them in accessing relevant resources. A user-oriented approach involves being attentive, empathetic, and proactive in assisting library patrons, whether in-person or digital.
- Collection Development Skills: With abundant digital resources available, collection development requires careful planning and curation. LIS professionals need to evaluate the relevance and quality of resources to meet the diverse needs of users. This involves managing physical collections and selecting and maintaining digital resources, such as e-books, online journals, and multimedia materials.
- Managerial Skills: Library professionals often hold managerial roles, requiring them to oversee library operations and staff. Managerial skills include strategic planning, budget management, resource allocation, and decision-making. A successful manager fosters a positive work environment, encourages professional development, and ensures the library’s alignment with institutional goals.
- Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships with colleagues and users is essential for effective library services. LIS professionals should possess interpersonal skills to communicate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts within the library team. A positive and approachable demeanor enhances user satisfaction and encourages feedback for continuous improvement.
- ICT Skills: As libraries increasingly embrace technology, LIS professionals must utilize digital tools and information systems proficiently. ICT skills include computer literacy, online research capabilities, familiarity with emerging technologies, and cybersecurity awareness. These skills enable LIS professionals to deliver efficient and secure digital services.
- Motivating Skills: Motivating library staff is crucial for maintaining a productive and engaged team. Effective LIS professionals inspire their colleagues to excel in their roles, recognizing and appreciating their contributions. Motivation creates a positive work environment, boosting employee morale and overall productivity.
The ICT environment has transformed the roles and responsibilities of library professionals. To thrive in this digital era, library professionals must possess diverse core skills, encompassing communication, technical expertise, leadership, time management, user orientation, collection development, managerial abilities, interpersonal proficiency, ICT literacy, and motivation. By continuously developing and enhancing these skills, library professionals can adapt to changing demands and provide exemplary services in the digital age.
Reference Article:
- Anand, R. (2018). Capacity Building of Library Professionals in the Digital Environment A Study of Universities of Karnataka State. Karnatak University. Retrieved from: http://hdl.handle.net/10603/224971