Libraries and librarians have steadily evolved throughout generations to meet the changing needs of their community (Cherinet, 2018, p. 2). The recent development of Library 2.0 has changed the way libraries interact with their users through changes in technologies, the diversity of users and an increase in complex informational needs. The aspects of these changes have had a major impact on the essential skills, knowledge, and attributes required of a Librarian 2.0.
First of all, it is essential for Librarian 2.0 to not only love working and interacting with a diverse range of people but to also value the various experiences of their users (Partridge, Lee, & Munro, 2010, p. 10). Just like Web 2.0, they need to be user-orientated and looks at things from the user’s perspective. By having a firm understanding about the needs and experiences of their users, Librarian 2.0 can gain solid knowledge about user behaviour, thus are able to actively use the emerging technologies to provide their users an effective personalized service (Abram, 2008).
With the introduction of the everchanging and frequently untested information available from Web 2.0, a high level of research skill is essential for the Librarian 2.0. (Partridge, Lee, & Munro, 2010, p. 9). It is a necessity of Librarian 2.0 to gather evidence to demonstrate feasibility, and continuously undertake evaluations and assessment of resources and services available.
Successful librarians in the Library 2.0 environment do not need to be IT professionals per se (Partridge, Lee, & Munro, 2010, p. 8). However, they do need to be aware of, and have some fundamental knowledge and understanding of emerging Web 2.0 technology. Specifically, what is the technology available, what it can do and how to appropriately utilise it to communicate and meet the needs of their users.
Even with the rapid change of the information profession, the role of Librarian 2.0 is still “firmly anchored in the traditional core values and competences of librarianship,” (Huvila, Holmberg, Kronqvist-Berg Nivakoski & Widen, 2013, p. 204). Meaning that, former skills and attributes are still relevant and vital to Librarian 2.0. They need to be skilled communicators, open-minded listeners, collaborative team members and advocates of life-long learning.
References
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Abram, S. (2008). Social libraries: The librarian 2.0 phenomenon. Library Resources & Technical Services, 52(2), 19-22. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/216899514?accountid=10344
Cherinet, Y. M. (2018) “Blended skills and future roles of librarians”, Library Management, Vol. 39 Issue: 1/2, pp.93-105, doi.org/10.1108/LM-02-2017-0015
Huvila, I., Holmberg, K., Kronqvist-Berg, M., Nivakoski, O., & Widén, G. (2013). What is Librarian 2.0 – New competencies or interactive relations? A library professional viewpoint. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 45(3), 198–205. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000613477122
Partridge, H., Lee, J., & Munro, C. (2010). Becoming “Librarian 2.0”: The Skills, Knowledge, and Attributes Required by Library and Information Science Professionals in a Web 2.0 World (and Beyond). Library Trends, 59(1-2), 315-335. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236728123_Becoming_Librarian_20_The_Skills_Knowledge_and_Attributes_Required_by_Library_and_Information_Science_Professionals_in_a_Web_20_World_and_Beyond
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