Continuing education and information technology a study of content and deliverables

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to present the study of continuing educational needs of librarians in relation to an increased use of information and communication technology in libraries. The study has been funded by the European Commissions Libraries Programme. The study consists of, firstly, an analysis of the required information technology skills of librarians and information professionals in libraries with regard to the IC secondly, a survey of the present supply of continuing education for librarians in the EU member states; and finally, an analysis of the delivery methods appropriate for imparting the required knowledge and skills. In the paper we first discuss how to analyse the required IT skills and in that connection the required content in continuing educational activities. Next, we discuss how to analyse the required delivery methods in continuing education. Below here, a model, which differentiate a selected number of delivery methods in relation to training needs, is made. Finally, a concluding proposal is given concerning a coordinated effort in the future analysis of training needs.