Skill analysis of library and information science professionals

Abstract

This paper investigated professional skills for library and information science (LIS) professionals based on the American Library Association (ALA) job website. The study identified job categories and library types, examined required soft skills and professional skills, and analyzed the relationships between professional skills and job categories, and the relationships between professional skills and library types as well. Data mining, subject analysis, and information visualization methods were used in the study. The findings of this study show that the LIS field demands a wide range of comprehensive professional skills. In total, over 160 distinct professional skill requirements and 24 skill themes were uncovered. Across various LIS job categories, an average of 8.84 professional skill themes per job category was found to be necessary for success. Among these skill themes, certain ones stood out as particularly in-demand, including: Productivity Software, MARC Standards and Guidance, Integrated Library Automation, Programming, and Data Analysis. Furthermore, it was observed that the specific professional skill requirements varied across different types of libraries. Notably, Academic/Research (College/University) libraries and Public Libraries stood out as two types that demanded a broader range of professional skill themes compared to other types of libraries. The findings of this research study can inform library and information science researchers, educators, and professionals to better understand the LIS professional skill requirements, improve existing curricular systems, and develop new courses to meet the job market needs.