Academic libraries and the need for continuing professional development in Botswana

Abstract

An academic librarian is expected to be skilled in the tasks they undertake and make quality services promptly available to users. This study aimed to determine academic librarians’ understanding of the changes in their profession and the need for continuing professional development; examine librarians’ perception of the quality of library and information science education in Botswana; and find out the extent to which academic librarians perform different library and professional functions. The research paradigm adopted was a positivist approach. Using the census method, quantitative data was collected from practising librarians and qualitative data was obtained from five library heads. The study established that there had been significant changes in the librarians’ jobs over the years, as they were currently required to work harder, learn more skills and perform new tasks. With no suitable continuing professional development strategy in place, there was a lack of adequate knowledge to perform information technology and other salient tasks. Appropriate recommendations are made.

Continuing professional development and the changing landscape of academic libraries

“…The DUT librarians believed that the CPD activities were supported and encouraged in their library. This belief suggests that CPD initiatives play an important role in professional growth and development for librarians, fostering a culture of learning and improvement (Oladokun and Mooko, 2022). Such findings are likely to be applicable beyond the confines of the DUT library environment, indicating that CPD is not only valued but also beneficial across various library settings.…”

“…CPD is beneficial to the individual, institution and users as it leads to better quality services which reflects positively on the institution. The institution can benefit with allowing their staff to continuously update their knowledge and skills as it will lead to increased productivity and improved performance by the staff who feel more motivated and eager to practise what they have learnt (Oladokun and Mooko, 2022). The users benefit from CPD as they will receive faster services with increased satisfaction when the librarians are able to deliver a quality service due to continuous learning initiatives.…”

The current state of academic librarians’ continuing professional development and the roles of continuing professional development providers in Thailand

“…Planning is one of the fundamental principles of management, and its importance for effective CPD should not be overlooked (Adanu, 2007). Librarians should develop individualized learning plans to help them monitor and enhance their current and future career prospects within the profession (Oladokun and Mooko, 2023), and CPD programmes should also be aligned with librarians' needs and career paths.…”

A qualitative perspective of the role of Malawi Library Association in developing librarianship in Malawi: opportunities and challenges

“…Even though the responsibility of developing librarians professionally is not assumed upon LAs, LAs must come to the forefront of professional development activities to instil a sense of professionalism in the field. With the rapid increase of technology adoption in academic settings, librarians need to constantly advance their skills through continuous professional development (CPD) to cope with new dimensions of demands (Oladokun and Mooko, 2023). Knowledge acquired by librarians during the college period has a limited lifespan hence information practitioners must not rest on their laurels (Oladokun and Mooko, 2023).…”

“…With the rapid increase of technology adoption in academic settings, librarians need to constantly advance their skills through continuous professional development (CPD) to cope with new dimensions of demands (Oladokun and Mooko, 2023). Knowledge acquired by librarians during the college period has a limited lifespan hence information practitioners must not rest on their laurels (Oladokun and Mooko, 2023). In the modern world, emerging technologies are touted to drive professions (Shahzad et al ., 2023).…”