Based on Skilltype data and a Librarian Survey, the new Lean Library report explores the current librarian skills landscape and identifies areas for further development.
The second Librarian Futures report asked the question: How can academic libraries be more deeply involved in the undergraduate learning journey? This new report, in partnership with Skilltype, explores the emerging skills required to fulfil a library’s mission – in a decade shaped by social, political, and technological change – and meet the needs of today’s library patrons. We gathered global perspectives from over 2,000 academic library professionals, from frontline librarians to library directors, to ensure a representative set of insights for the report.
Key findings from the report:
- Librarians have a great deal of confidence in their ability to serve patrons, but less than half agreed that they feel confident in advancing their career.
- Many librarians (37%) feel unprepared to answer patron questions on the use of generative AI in their studies.
- Less than 20% of librarians feel that their effort to learn new skills is appreciated by students.
- 46% of librarians feel that there is not sufficient budget available for upskilling, and 47% don’t feel there is sufficient time.
“Lean Library is proud to be a strategic investor in Skilltype, supporting their mission of building librarian skills for the future. I’m delighted that we could collaborate with Skilltype on this important report on librarian futures, helping Tony and his team share their unique insights on librarian skills – both where we are now, and what’s needed in the coming years.”
Matthew Hayes, PhD, MD, Lean Library
“Our aim with this collaboration is for information professionals and their teams gain new perspectives on the competencies they should be cultivating within their personal repertoires and their organizations. Librarians, and the new skills, competencies and responsibilities they will develop in the years ahead, are going to be pivotal to this. But it all starts with increased dialog, understanding where we are and where we want to go. I hope this report contributes to that dialog and inspires conversations in your library, amongst your peers, and within the wider library community.”
Tony Zanders, Founder and CEO, Skilltype
About Lean Library
We believe the right technology can remove barriers to knowledge. So, we curated a suite of library technologies that improve your patrons’ workflow – from managing reading lists to discovering online resources and reference management. Whether used individually or in combination, our technologies amplify the library’s value on campus and prepare your library for the future.
Find out more at: leanlibrary.com
About Skilltype
Skilltype is a talent management platform designed for libraries to analyze, develop, and share expertise. Founded in 2018, the platform uses linked data to help libraries identify skill gaps across their organization, create personalized training plans for employees, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Skilltype is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with offices in New Orleans and Boston.
