Emerging public librarian roles and skills

Abstract

As public libraries in Europe change to meet the challenges of the Millennium, so must the professional staff who operate them. The implications of the changes in current public library functions and services for future professional roles and identities are examined, based on a review of a selection of recent professional literature. Appropriate skills for the public librarian of the future are discussed. Skills required span such broad areas as management, communication, handling interpersonal relations in the workplace, information technology, networking and interpreting and synthesizing information, e.g. customizing information products. Subject expertise for specialized information provision and advanced reference services may be called for as well. Emerging professional roles for public librarians are considered , including such job labels as the net navigator, the educator, the information consultant, the gatekeeper, the electronic intermediary, the community network administrator and the social information worker. Finally, attention is given to the need for initiatives and catalytic efforts in the European arena for the purpose of upgrading continuing professional education for public librarians and facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing of experience.