Development and validation of core technology competencies for systems librarian

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to develop and validate a list of core technology competencies for systems librarian in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Survey method was used to conduct this investigation. A structured questionnaire, consisting of 52 competency statements categorized into six core technology areas, was developed based on an extensive literature review, experts’ scrutiny and pilot testing. The administration of the survey questionnaire was done though online environments such as related listservs and Facebook pages. The received 62 responses were imported into statistical package for social sciences and analyzed by computing means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation and t-test. Findings The results indicated six core technology areas where competencies of systems librarians needed to be developed, namely, basic computing, programming and Web publishing, computer networks, cloud computing, database management systems and information systems. The respondents validated 50 statements with an average mean score more than three. Only two statements received mean scores less than three. The results also indicated higher consistency of these statements as the value of Cronbach’s alpha was 0.973. Research limitations/implications This research attempted to identify and validate core technology competencies needed for systems librarians in Pakistan. It neither attempted to determine the weightage each competency should have if it was to be included in curriculum nor it intended to identify a detailed content for each core technology competency. In Pakistan, System librarians develop their knowledge and skills with the specialized computer subject by studying on their own, attending training workshops and on job experience. It is therefore worth mentioning here that the knowledge of the needed competencies may be limited. Practical implications Library and information science schools need to consider these competencies in developing and designing information curriculum with regard to management of library systems. This set of competencies help academicians in designing need-based curricula and training programs for existing and prospect system librarians in Pakistan. Originality/value This study would be a worthwhile contribution to the literature on competencies of information professionals especially systems librarians as no such study appeared providing pragmatic, evidenced and field-based insights toward proposed research area.

Use of software for automation of academic libraries in Sialkot

“…A previous study also confirmed that library automation and adoption of library software plays a vital role in the effectiveness of library use (Ukachi et al , 2014). These findings also relate with the previous study of Naveed et al (2021) that indicated that because of the availability of necessary library software modules and the potential for modification, the majority of libraries were satisfied with LIMS free-based software and KOHA OSS. Another previous study also confirmed that due of its free availability, MARC21 cataloguing standards support and online public access catalogue (OPAC) functionality, Koha was accepted by librarians (Asim and Mairaj, 2019).…”

“…In the province of Punjab, he noticed that 22 universities/degree-awarding institutions (DAIs) were using Koha ILS. Naveed et al (2021) presented an analysis that examines the present state of the library automation systems being used within the Lahore libraries. They observed that 33 recognized universities and DAI libraries of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) used a library management system in Lahore and most librarians were comfortable with integrated library management system (ILMS) free-based software and with Koha OSS.…”

Analyzing the impact of technology incentives on community digital inclusion using structural equation modeling

“…, 2018). Personal competency is the set of skills, attitudes, and values that enable librarians to work effectively and efficiently, to demonstrate the added value of their contributions, and to survive in the new world of work (Naveed et al. , 2021).…”

“…However, researchers have claimed that information technology is largely associated with teamwork, subjective motivation, and improved skills and training levels (Andrews et al, 2018). Personal competency is the set of skills, attitudes, and values that enable librarians to work effectively and efficiently, to demonstrate the added value of their contributions, and to survive in the new world of work (Naveed et al, 2021). These skills include a wide range of personal skills like critical thinking, social and communication skills, teamwork, and ethical attitudes.…”