Evaluating the professional competency of university librarians in the digital intelligence era: a survey from China

Abstract

Introduction. In the digital intelligence era, university libraries are confronted with multiple challenges of an urgent need for transformation and upgrading, a decrease in the number of personnel, and a reduction in funding. Under these circumstances, librarians must possess strong professional competency to drive the development of university libraries.

Method. This study employed literature research, network research, and the Delphi method to construct a professional competency model for university librarians in the digital intelligence era, which comprises four 4 dimensions, including comprehensive knowledge, digital intelligence skills, professional skills, and comprehensive thinking, with 19 indicators.

Analysis. Based on the competency model, librarians' professional competency levels were dually evaluated from self-evaluation by librarians and evaluation by users.

Results. The results reveal that university librarians demonstrate robust capabilities in information management, resource management and application of digital intelligence products, but significantly weak in areas such as information technology knowledge, intelligent service capability, data management capability, and forefront planning capability. Factors such as academic background, job position, usage of digital tools, and configuration of smart devices within libraries can influence librarians' professional competency. Similarly, users' academic background and usage of library resources and services also affect their evaluations of librarians' professional competency.