Competency requirements for Vietnam’s academic librarians: a content analysis of job advertisements from 2015 to 2021

Abstract

In the context of the constantly changing information and technology environment, academic libraries are gradually transforming from a traditional model to a modern one with the rise of digital technology application. This shift has affected the role of academic librarians and has resulted in competency requirements from employers. This study collected 63 academic librarian job advertisements published on online channels between 2015 and April 30, 2021 in order to explore the competency requirements for Vietnam's academic librarians in recent years. The study employed descriptive statistics analysis, calculating the frequency of occurrence of the collected job advertisements' content. For vacancies, the research found that the positions that appeared most often in the job advertisements were librarians and digital librarians. At the same time, the observed libraries only recruited staff positions. There was a lack of job advertisements for library manager positions. Regarding job duties and responsibilities, research results showed that job advertisements mainly mentioned professional activities, information resource management and information services. In terms of required competencies, job advertisements indicated the following requirements: (1) bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science or Information Management, (2) the English language, (3) computer and information technology skills, (4) work experience, (5) professional knowledge and skills such as professional expertise, training, technology and marketing, (6) management knowledge and skills, (7) teamwork and interpersonal skills, and (8) attitudes, for example a sense of responsibility.