Competencies and training needs of academic librarians amidst crisis and changes: Basis for a training plan

Abstract

This descriptive-quantitative research study aimed to determine the competencies and training needs of academic librarians amidst crisis and changes that would be the basis for a library personnel training plan. The respondents of the study were the total enumeration of librarians with professional licenses who were serving in the academic libraries in Iloilo City. The survey questionnaires were personally distributed to the 50 academic librarians of universities and colleges in Iloilo City who were the respondents of the study. The data gathered were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using frequency count, percentage, mean, and standard deviation which were employed for descriptive statistics. The t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for inferential statistics, all set at .05 level of significance. The results revealed that respondents were Extremely Competent in communication, customer service, leadership, lifelong learning and personal growth and cultural competencies after pandemic. It implies that academic librarians have gained the opportunity to develop their competencies amidst difficulties and changes while exploring ways and means to better serve the library customers. Subsequently, the academic librarians need to be trained mostly in the area of tools and technologies, and in library leadership or management. This implies that there is a need to improve the academic librarians’ technology skills in providing technological services especially in the rise of trends in technology. In addition, they also need to upgrade themselves particularly in the aspect of leadership and management as preparation for future leadership roles in the library.