Competencies for information professionals in the digital era: Issues, opportunities, and challenges

• Main Author: Yaakob, Raja Abdullah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: Z665 Library Science. Information Science
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/2305/1/Drray-Pwork.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/2305/

Technological developments and the birth of knowledge economy has led to the new era, viz the knowledge era. This has opened up new avenues in the information profession, leading to emerging roles of the information professionals (IPs). At this critical juncture, new competencies are needed for the new breed of IPs, calling for the active process of learning, relearning, and unlearning on the parts of the IPs. The ongoing development of advanced technologies in libraries and information agencies has placed a high priority on ICT competencies among library staff and IPs. The shift towards knowledge-based economy means the rising challenges faced by the IPs in handling their organization’s information needs. Learning technology skills and acquiring knowledge in appropriate areas is vital in keeping library staff informed and effective in performing their job tasks. Librarians and IPs are urged to be a part of this changing environment by furthering their education in technical and computer technology.