Competencies of Reference Information Professionals in Health Sciences Libraries

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were to study the competencies of reference information professionals in health sciences libraries, and to propose the guidelines for the development of competencies of reference information professionals in health sciences libraries. This study used in-depth interview as the research instrument for data collection from the key informants consisted of 7 Health Sciences Library administrators, 5 reference information professionals in health sciences libraries and 5 users of health sciences libraries, totaling 17 individuals.

          The results of this research indicated that the reference information professionals in health sciences libraries required competency in knowledge such as specialized information, source and specialized information system management, specialized information service, information and library science profession, information technology, general management research methods, teaching and training, and laws relating to library work. The skills competencies consisted of management skills, information technology skills in health science, management skills in health science information resources, technology skills and information systems skills, teaching and training skills and communication skills. Personal characteristics must include ethics and professional ethics, self-management and emotional intelligence, human relations, service mind, leadership, self-development and lifelong learning, responsibility, achievement motivation, credibility and trustworthy, initiative, and adaptation.However, the proposed findings must still be conducted to study the development of competency in information professionals providing answers and help with research in Health Sciences Library from experts in the next phases.