Based on your examination of the resources above, and your own research, define what you believe to be the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes of an information professional in a Web 2.0 world. Write up your definition as a post (of no more than 350 words) in your OLJ.

When thinking about the role of an information professional, one needs to think about how the world has changed in recent years. The major change that has occurred is the accessibility of the internet and by extension information. In this new world of Web 2.0, information professionals are no longer the people who provide access to information, rather they help others filter through the vast hoards of information available and find suitable information (Nageswara Rao & Babu, 2001, p. 26). In order to do this, they must have a multitude of skills, knowledge and attributes to keep themselves and their organisation relevant.

The first is the ability to be adaptable. Information professionals are working in an environment that has not only changed drastically in the last decade, but continues to change at an even more rapid pace. They need to be able to seek out new technologies that could be beneficial for the people with whom they work, and where possible, implement them successfully. To do this, they need to be able to let go of old habits, technologies or practices even when they used to seem so positive (Cohen, 2006).

Second, information professionals must demonstrate leadership skills. Tying in closely with their ability to be adaptable, Ray (2016) spoke about librarians being the leaders when new technology is implemented. Being leaders ensures that libraries remain able to support their users and prepare them for the future. One of the key leadership skills that information professionals need to demonstrate is that of educated risk-taking. They need to be brave enough to try new technologies, new texts, new room layouts and so much more. Linked closely with this, is the skill of researching, to help themselves find new ideas, discover new technologies and make informed decisions about the risks and things they want to try.

Lastly, information professionals need to be good communicators and collaborators. The job is not an easy one, and the more they are able to work with fellow information professionals, researchers and their users, the better their implementation of Web 2.0 will be. Having information professionals who are confident collaborators, communicators and risk takers enables the learning environment to be redefined and builds future-ready users (Chun, 2018).

References:

Chun, T. (2018). “Brave before perfect”: A new approach for future-ready librarians. Teacher Librarian, 45(5), 35-37.

Cohen, L. [Kingrss]. (2006). A librarian’s 2.0 manifesto [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZblrRs3fkSU

Nageswara Rao, K., & Babu, K.H. (2001). Role of librarian in internet and world wide web environment. Information Sciences, 4(1), 25-34. http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/5038/#.XoAMZogzY2y

Ray, M. [Tedx Talks]. (2016, June 8). Changing the conversation about librarians [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IniFUB7worY