Skills for future university librarians

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine present librarian skills in academic libraries and to propose possible directions of future libraries on skill requirements. This study provides a valuable methodology to understand the current demands of employers for library staff. It also begins to highlight trends in how the skill set and outlook for future employees are currently being viewed. There has been a combination of these understandings with the scenario planning technique to draw threads anticipating skill requirements in three to five years. These approaches create a powerful analysis.

An examination of recent library position advertisements and job descriptions in five countries and regions showed broad communication and technology skills required in academic libraries. The key terms of skills were ranked according to the frequencies used in the advertisements and descriptions.

Original research based on data from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The results are harmonised with predicted future trends from scenario planning exercises.