The library professional in an academic institution has to
anticipate the changing expectations of the users, and be flexible
in adopting new skills and levels of awareness. Technology has
drastically changed the way librarians define themselves and
the way they think about their profession and the institutions
they serve. In addition to the technical and professional skills,
commitment to user centred services and skills for effective oral
and written communication; they must have other skills, including
business and management, teaching, leadership, etc. Eventually,
library and information professionals in academic libraries
need to update their knowledge and skills in Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) as they play the role of key
success factor in enabling the library to perform its role as an
information support system for the society.
Susan Mathew, K; Baby, M D; Sreerekha, Pillai S(IOS Press, January 1, 2010)
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Abstract:
The paper aims to bring out the problems and prospects of the professional development opportunities of academic library professionals in the Universities in Kerala. The study is a part of research undertaken to survey the professional development activities and educational needs of library professionals in the major Universities of Kerala because of the developments in Information communication technology. The study recommends methods for improving the knowledge/skills of library professionals. The aim of the study is to evaluate the professional development activities of Library professionals and their attitude towards continuing education programmes. In order to achieve the objectives of the study a survey was conducted with the help of structured questionnaires distributed to 203 library professionals in seven major universities in Kerala, (South India) of which 185 questionnaires were returned. Results of the analysis show that majority of the professionals have pursued higher degrees in library science or IT allied courses after entering the profession, and that they have a positive attitude towards participation in training programmes and workshops. The results show that developments in ICT have a positive influence on majority of library professionals‘ attitude towards continuing education programmes.
Description:
Asia-Pacific Conference on Library & Information Education & Practice, 2011
Susan Mathew, K(Arihant Prakashan,New Delhi, 2010)
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Abstract:
Development of new technologies in the field of
library and information science especially in
academic libraries has resulted in the need for library
staff to be flexible in adopting new skills and levels
of awareness. In addition to core technology skills,
importance is to be given to other skills in communication,
management, etc. This paper attempts to
describe in brief the competencies and skills required
for an academic library professional in the digital
era .