Blended skills and future roles of librarians
| Pages | 93-105 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-02-2017-0015 |
| Date | 08 January 2018 |
| Published date | 08 January 2018 |
| Author | Yared Mammo Cherinet |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Blended skills and future roles
of librarians
Yared Mammo Cherinet
Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to identify insightfully future roles and skills required by librarians
to meet the ever changing users’need in the modern library landscape.
Design/methodology/approach –The study adopted a qualitative approach. It deployed the Delphi
technique and other knowledge elicitation techniques, such as systematic literature review, in-depth key
informants interviews, formal and informal discussions, and own experience. Data collection was quitted
when it reached to the theoretical saturation. Content analysis was used to analyze the gathered data.
Triangulation of methods was also employed to complement one another, and enhance the credibility and
validity of the results.
Findings –The findings of the study revealed that some of the roles and skills required by librarians are
evolutionary,while others are revolutionary, butthe ultimate future role of librariansis to change knowledge
revolution into society (to create informed society) throughre-socializing and shaping the younggenerations.
The result also confirmedthat a synergy of passion, knowledge, skills and cultural intelligence yieldblended
librariansthat fit the future librarylandscape. To be a librarianis more than just equipped withknowledge and
skills; it requirespassion and solid discipline. For librarians, unlearning isequally relevant skills like learning.
Originality/value –Instead of the usual skills assessment, this study approached it in a new perspective
and divulged a synergy of passion, knowledge, skills, cultural intelligence, professionalism, and discipline as
essential assets for the twenty-first century librarians.
Keywords South Africa, Ethiopia, Twenty-first century librarians, Blended librarians, Blended skills,
Future roles of librarians
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Libraries and librarians are evolving through generations. Libraries are service-oriented
institutions serving as bridges between knowledge generator and knowledge seeker
(Thanuskodi, 2015). They are learning institutions that strive to meet the information and
knowledge needs of users (Mammo, 2010). Users are the essence for the existence of
libraries. The field of librarianship is ever expanding and changing in technologies, with
diverse users and increasingly complex information needs (Cooke, 2011). The advent of
information technology (IT), and its convergence with communication technologies
eventually led to information and communication technologies (ICTs) which greatly impact
the emergence of modern libraries’digital landscape.
There has been paradigm shifts in the LIS professions as a result of the revolution in
ICTs (Warrier et al., 2015). The speed of change has created a new librarian landscape
in terms of services and activities, which in turn impact the roles, competencies, skills and
knowledge of LIS professionals (Nonthacumjane, 2011). The ever changing information
needs of users brought expanded and new roles for librarians to equip with various
emerging skills to stay relevant in the emerging knowledge and digital ecology.
However, there are some studies (Elisha, 2009; Bailie, 2011; Law, 2011; Christina, 2015) that
categorized skills required as general or standard competencies and/or skills. Similarly,
Thanuskodi (2015) confirmed that there is lack of literature in library and information science
(LIS)on the “future studies”that focused on the future roles of librarians. Therefore, the cardinal
purpose of this study is to identify insightfully future roles and skills required by librarians to
meet the changing users needs in the modern library landscape; to shape the future of the LIS
profession; and finally to reflect on the societal and developmental roles of librarians.
Library Management
Vol. 39 No. 1/2, 2018
pp. 93-105
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-02-2017-0015
Received 7 February 2017
Revised 14 July 2017
Accepted 20 August 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
93
Future roles
of librarians
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