Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Library and Information Science, Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 MSc, Library and Information Science, Central Library and Documentation Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Improvement of services in any organization depends on the professional growth and promotion of knowledge and proficiency level of the employees. Accordingly, evaluation of librarians' knowledge and proficiency level seems to be essential. The goal of the present research was to study the competences of librarians of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Methods: The present research was of descriptive survey. The study population consisted of 67 librarians in Kerman University of Medical Science. The required information was gathered using the Librarians' Competencies Questionnaire which consisted of 115 questions in the framework of 7 competencies. These competencies consist of management, classification, organization, information services, information technology, research, and communication. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by specialists, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha (0.98). The data was analyzed using descriptive methods and SPSS statistical software. Results: The results showed that the average competency score of the librarians regarding management, classification, organization, informative services, information technology, research, and communication was 4.09, 3.87, 3.61, 3.81, 3.35, and 4.17, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this research revealed that the librarians of Kerman University of Medical Sciences obtained higher scores in communicative competencies compared with other competences. As a result, they require more knowledge and skills in competencies of research, information technology, and organization.
Keywords