Librarian 2.0

Web 2.0 has influenced libraries, impacting not only how they are managed but also the services provided. Web 2.0 has changed the way information professionals collect, store, retrieve and distribute information (Akwang, 2021). Web 2.0 enables libraries to increase user engagement and participation by increasing online content; promoting library activities, services, and resources; and increasing access to collections (Akwang, 2021). However, with these advances comes great responsibility for library staff, necessitating the development of new skills beyond traditional roles.

Libraries have always had a strong focus on customer service, meaning it is necessary to constantly evolve to meet changing user needs. Rapidly evolving technology has meant that many people are lacking the digital literacy skills needed to complete tasks that are becoming increasingly more convenient online (e.g., Centrelink, banking). Information professionals can provide access to various technologies and services to ensure people can develop the digital literacy skills needed to complete everyday tasks (Ayinde and Kirkwood, 2020). To achieve this, staff must have the necessary skills and the ability to adapt to the constantly evolving digital world (Burton, 2019). This will ensure libraries maintain the delivery of relevant resources and services to the community.

What skills does a modern-day information professional need? Interpersonal skills are still a critical component in the information industry but are now joined by strong information technology skills (Joel and Ibrihim, 2021). Digital skills are necessary to operate library management systems and provide a variety of services (Hamad et al., 2021). Each day library staff assist with a multitude of general computer queries as well as photocopying, teaching robotics, 3D printing, social media, and accessing online resources (just to name a few). User queries are often dependent upon current issues and trends. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my workplace had dozens of patrons each day requiring assistance creating a myGov account and then uploading their vaccination certificate. This is evident of the significant role technology plays within a library environment and the need for staff to embrace lifelong learning to maintain the skills required to meet evolving user needs.

References

Akwang, N. E. (2021). A study of librarians’ perceptions and adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(2), 102299. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1016/j.acalib.2020.102299

Altmann, G. (n.d.). Laptop [Image]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/illustrations/laptop-notebook-man-businessman-1071781/

Ayinde, L., & Kirkwood, H. (2020). Rethinking the roles and skills of information professionals in the 4th Industrial Revolution. Business Information Review, 37(4), 142-153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266382120968057

Burton, S. (2019). Future skills for the LIS profession. Online Searcher, 43(2), 42-45.

Hamad, F., Al-Fadel, M., & Fakhouri, H. (2021). The effect of librarians’ digital skills on technology acceptance in academic libraries in Jordan. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 53(4), 589–600. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000620966644

Joel, A. P., & Ibrahim, F. L. (2021). Digital competencies needed by librarians and information professionals for knowledge management of 21st-century university libraries in Borno State. Library Philosophy and Practice, (March), 1-15. https://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-

Kosmowski, J. (n.d.). Scrabble [Image]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/scrabble-board-game-game-4370255/