Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
7-2023
Abstract
Librarians and other information professionals are required to possess transprofessional competencies in the form of additional education or knowledge to increase the range of services that could be provided for improved efficiency of information service delivery in the new normal. This study investigates the transprofessional competencies of librarians and their perceptions of what barriers prevent librarians from developing transprofessional knowledge in this changing and knowledge-driven environment. The study is a qualitative research, and the phenomenography method was adopted for this study; The participants constitute librarians and information managers in four academic libraries in Lagos and Oyo states, Nigeria. A semi-structured interview was used and the interview was conducted synchronously between the researcher and the participants. The qualitative data from the interview was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that librarians emphasised the need for competencies such as adapting to remote work, providing guidance on information literacy and digital skills, implementing and maintaining digital platforms. Challenges encountered by librarians include time and resource constraints, inaccessibility to learning opportunities, overcoming disciplinary silos, resistance to change, lack of institutional support and recognition among others. The study concluded that collaboration with professionals from other disciplines is a proactive measure to enhance transprofessional competencies. The study therefore recommended that librarians should embrace continuous learning, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and support reflective practice among others.