Knowledge, skills and attitudes required for Japanese library staff based on job advertisements

PurposeIn relation to institution type and employment status, this study aims to identify the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes (SKAs) listed in job advertisements for Japanese library staff.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data on 545 posts advertised on major Japanese librarian job advertisement websites from March 2019 to January 2021. The data included institution type, employment length, application requirements and job descriptions. Job descriptions were classified into 16 categories based on required SKAs. Data were analyzed using content, cross-tabulation and cluster analyses.FindingsThe results demonstrate that 82.2% of job advertisements targeted nonregular employees. The essential SKAs are the client and technical services. The job advertisements for nonregular employees had detailed descriptions of the requisite generic and soft skills and knowledge, whereas these competencies were not specified in the advertisements for regular employees.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on job advertisements in Japanese libraries. This serves as a benchmark for the content and methods of continuing education for librarians. It also demonstrates the impact of Japan's social and historical environment on job advertisements and related research.