Exploratory Essay
Abstract:
This exploratory essay takes a look at the most desirable transferable competencies for information professionals in the public library. Franser-Arnott explores the opportunities in non-traditional LIS jobs from transferable skills and competencies from LIS professionals. Through analyzing scholarly articles, the field of public librarianship seeks communication skills and interpersonal skills in an information professional. Oral and written communication skills are necessary to understand the community's' needs and wants. Developing interpersonal qualities to communicate and interact with the community is key in working with patrons of different ages and backgrounds. Although the vast majority of public library jobs required higher education, people without …show more content…
Competencies are the demonstration of skills, which are used to identify the strengths and needs of individuals in organizations (Ammons-Stephens, Cole, Jenkins-Gibbs, Riehle, & Weare, 2009). The role in public librarianship is defined as “librarians that assist, advise, and instruct users in accessing all forms of recorded knowledge” (Thompson, 2015). In 2003, the Continuum of Library Education (CLE) project was established to identify the competencies needed by public library practitioners as a means of credential to validate their abilities (Helmick and Swigger, 2006). Despite people’s perception of fewer libraries jobs and a tougher job market, information professionals carry competencies that are transferable and desirable in non-traditional library employment. In the field of public librarianship, the most desired skills and competencies are communication skills to understand the patrons’ needs and interpersonal skills to create a supportive environment to serve the
This exploratory essay takes a look at the most desirable transferable competencies for information professionals in the public library. Franser-Arnott explores the opportunities in non-traditional LIS jobs from transferable skills and competencies from LIS professionals. Through analyzing scholarly articles, the field of public librarianship seeks communication skills and interpersonal skills in an information professional. Oral and written communication skills are necessary to understand the community's' needs and wants. Developing interpersonal qualities to communicate and interact with the community is key in working with patrons of different ages and backgrounds. Although the vast majority of public library jobs required higher education, people without …show more content…
Competencies are the demonstration of skills, which are used to identify the strengths and needs of individuals in organizations (Ammons-Stephens, Cole, Jenkins-Gibbs, Riehle, & Weare, 2009). The role in public librarianship is defined as “librarians that assist, advise, and instruct users in accessing all forms of recorded knowledge” (Thompson, 2015). In 2003, the Continuum of Library Education (CLE) project was established to identify the competencies needed by public library practitioners as a means of credential to validate their abilities (Helmick and Swigger, 2006). Despite people’s perception of fewer libraries jobs and a tougher job market, information professionals carry competencies that are transferable and desirable in non-traditional library employment. In the field of public librarianship, the most desired skills and competencies are communication skills to understand the patrons’ needs and interpersonal skills to create a supportive environment to serve the