Volume 30, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Research on Information Science and Public Libraries 2024, 30(3): 352-370 |
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Saki S, Zerehsaz M, Haseli D. Identifying the Job Titles and Competencies of the Public Library Librarians Based on the Content Analysis of Job Advertisements. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries 2024; 30 (3) :352-370
URL: http://publij.ir/article-1-2497-en.html
URL: http://publij.ir/article-1-2497-en.html
Department of knowledge and Information Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran , zerehsaz@khu.ac.ir
Abstract: (535 Views)
Objective: This study aims to identify and determine the job titles and professional competencies of the public library librarians.
Method: Adopting a descriptive approach, the study employed the content analysis and the Delphi method involving expert opinions. The research population included job advertisements for public library positions on prominent global employment websites, as well as experts in the field of public libraries in Iran. Data collection tools included a checklist and coding in MAXQDA software for content analysis and questionnaires for the Delphi panels.
Results: Based on the content analysis of job advertisements, public library job titles worldwide were categorized into four groups, including management and administrative roles, public services, technical services, and technology-related roles, with 54 items. Subsequently, new and contextually relevant job titles for the context of Iran were identified in consultation with experts, leading to four categories and 35 items. Additionally, 81 job competencies were extracted for the public library librarians, organized into six categories: customer and social services, marketing and promotion, education and reading promotion, library-specific expertise, management and planning, and technical and technological skills.
Conclusions: This study analyzed the job titles and competencies required for the librarians working in the public libraries in the Iranian context, being informed by global experiences. The findings reveal the significant diversity and appeal of public library activities worldwide and highlight the potential for Iranian public libraries to expand their job titles and competencies. These results can assist policymakers and public library managers in redefining new roles and competencies and may serve as a resource for faculty members in knowledge and information science to revise the curriculum content.
Method: Adopting a descriptive approach, the study employed the content analysis and the Delphi method involving expert opinions. The research population included job advertisements for public library positions on prominent global employment websites, as well as experts in the field of public libraries in Iran. Data collection tools included a checklist and coding in MAXQDA software for content analysis and questionnaires for the Delphi panels.
Results: Based on the content analysis of job advertisements, public library job titles worldwide were categorized into four groups, including management and administrative roles, public services, technical services, and technology-related roles, with 54 items. Subsequently, new and contextually relevant job titles for the context of Iran were identified in consultation with experts, leading to four categories and 35 items. Additionally, 81 job competencies were extracted for the public library librarians, organized into six categories: customer and social services, marketing and promotion, education and reading promotion, library-specific expertise, management and planning, and technical and technological skills.
Conclusions: This study analyzed the job titles and competencies required for the librarians working in the public libraries in the Iranian context, being informed by global experiences. The findings reveal the significant diversity and appeal of public library activities worldwide and highlight the potential for Iranian public libraries to expand their job titles and competencies. These results can assist policymakers and public library managers in redefining new roles and competencies and may serve as a resource for faculty members in knowledge and information science to revise the curriculum content.
Type of Study: qualitative |
Subject:
Management Studies
Received: 2023/08/8 | Accepted: 2024/02/27 | Published: 2024/10/1
Received: 2023/08/8 | Accepted: 2024/02/27 | Published: 2024/10/1
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