Considering the role of an information professional requires reflecting on recent shifts in the world. The primary shift revolves around the widespread availability of the Internet and, consequently, information accessibility.
In the era of Web 2.0, the role of information professionals has evolved from merely granting access to information. Instead, they assist in navigating the extensive array of available information, guiding others in finding relevant data, knowledge or facts. To excel in this, they require diverse skills, knowledge, and attributes to ensure their relevance and that of their organisation.
One crucial aspect is adaptability. Information professionals operate in a swiftly evolving landscape that has transformed significantly in the past decade and continues to do so at an accelerated rate. They must proactively explore and adopt new technologies that could benefit their clientele, effectively integrating these advancements whenever feasible. This demands the willingness to shed prior habits, technologies, or methods—even those once considered advantageous (Cohen, 2006).
Dodd (2019) emphasises the necessity for Teacher-Librarians (TLs) to embrace lifelong learning. This commitment to continuous learning and adaptability enriches their capabilities and greatly benefits those they assist. Staying abreast of the newest technologies and advancements in library services is equally advantageous for any TL.
What does this encompass? TLs should:
- Comprehend digital literacy (Burton, 2019)
- Prioritize customer needs (Burton, 2019)
- Demonstrate flexibility, innovation, and a knack for seeing the broader scope (Burton, 2019)
- Embrace the dynamic realm of information and engage actively
- Display a willingness to experiment and introduce novel services
- Capitalize on new tools and applications whenever feasible
- Utilise social networking platforms
- Be ready to meet users wherever they are, whether online or in the physical realm, to offer library services.
