Towards an optimal competency framework for InterProfessional Informationists (IPI): A multiphased and mixed methods investigation into competency areas, elements, and framework structures

Abstract

In this mixed methods and multi-phased study, through a multi-round feedback and confirmation process, we established a meaningful approach to developing, revising, and finalizing a competency framework for InterProfessional Informationists (IPI). As an emerging profession, IPI has not yet been established as a formal educational program with a guiding framework. It is important both to the field of practice and to educational programming to develop a competency framework, specifically targeted to IPI, and has been informed/verified through current practice. Our process started with using the initial competency framework developed by Tang and Martin (2019) as the basis, and involved gathering comments from numerous stakeholders, including IPI students and working professionals from relevant communities ranging from health science librarians to library directors, informationists, and LIS scholars and educators. The finalized IPI framework features four levels, six competency areas, and 67 elements, with separate beginner and advanced levels for subject expertise and work practice/culture. By including a variety of voices, this comprehensive framework not only outlines relevant foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs), but also accentuates timely cutting-edge skills and forward-looking elements required of InterProfessional Informationists.