Job requirements and challenges of LIS graduates in public libraries: a literature review
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Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Nebraska
Abstract
Public libraries require an expanding set of discipline specific, as well as generic
knowledge, skills and attitudes from Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates,
for their services in this evolving and constantly changing knowledge society. Guided
by the core competency theory of Selznick (1957), this paper reviews literature on the
competencies required of LIS graduates and the challenges they face in public
libraries. Knowledge of cataloguing, collection development, interpersonal
relationship, communication, technology, and customer services skills are noted
significant in the public library context. Also noted are skills gap: lack of training
programmes; drastic changes in the LIS market, which eventually demand curricula
revision and re-orientation; and several challenges facing LIS professionals and the
public libraries themselves. Identified challenges include: lack of funding, lack of
trained/skilled staff, and ICT resources. The reviewed literature is significant for
providing theoretical background for the development of research in the following
domains: public libraries, LIS curriculum, LIS educators and LIS
graduates/professionals.
Description
Peer-reviewed article published in Library Philosophy and Practice electronic journal of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, licenced under Creative Commons, 2019.
Keywords
Public libraries skills, Library Science jobs, LIS graduates
Citation
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2772/