A librarian should possess several knowledge, skills, and attributes as an information professional in the 21st Century. First and foremost, as highlighted by Akwang (2020), a librarian should be someone who adopts a positive attitude towards change. As technology and access to information are constantly being updated and reworked, Akwang (2020) emphasises the importance of a librarian’s abilility to keep up with that change and do some open-mindedly.
Furthermore, in my own experience as a primary school librarian, I believe that a librarian needs to be someone who is easily approachable and happy to assist. By possessing these attributes, both students and staff are more inclined to visit the library and engage with resources and the librarian as an information professional.
Additionally, as indicated by Ayinde and Kirkwood (2020), a librarian is someone who possesses the skill set of lifelong learning. As an information professional, Ayinde and Kirkwood (2020) emphasise the need for the librarian to keep learning, unlearning and relearning, which can be achieved through up-to-date professional learning opportunities. As technology is continually updated, so should the knowledge of that technology be. I agree with Ayinde and Kirkwoord (2020) that a librarian is someone who never stops learning and never stops passing on their deep knowledge.
Finally, the Australian School Library Association ([ASLA] 2014) sets out a list of standards for professional excellence. This document accurately describes the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for a teacher librarian to succeed and highlights the importance of the teacher librarian role in schools. The documents underscore the teacher librarian’s need to demonstrate professional knowledge, practice, and commitment to learning (ASLA, 2014).
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), 102-229.
Australian School Library Association. (2014). Standards for professional excellence for teacher librarians. https://read.alia.org.au/alia-asla-standards-professional-excellence-teacher-librarians
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.