Competency-based lifelong learning of librarians in Croatia: an integrative approach

Machala, Dijana and Horvat, Aleksandra Competency-based lifelong learning of librarians in Croatia: an integrative approach., 2010 . In IFLA Satellit Meeting : Cooperation and Collaboration in Teaching and Research : Trends in Library and Information Studies Education Cooperation and Collaboration in Teaching and Research: Trends in Library and Information Studies Education, Borås (Sweden), 8-9 August 2010. (Unpublished) [Conference paper]

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English abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present the main findings of a nation-wide online survey of Croatian LIS stakeholders - library practitioners, mainly graduate librarians and library managers – regarding subject-related competencies and further CPD activities in perspective of lifelong learning of librarians. The findings were used to create a model of LIS competency framework strongly valued by labour market. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 216 Croatian libraries was pre-selected to participate in an online survey in order to obtain an optimal stratification of study cohort according to library type, library size and territorial coverage. Two distinctive online questionnaires were prepared, one for library managers, the other for library practitioners. 113 library managers (52% of pre-selected sample) and 260 librarians (cca. 10% of estimated size of overall professional body in Croatia) responded. A Tuning methodology was applied for purpose of identifying subject-related and key generic competencies in LIS. Findings – The results of the online survey indicate that for LIS professionals there is a unified „core‟ of subject-specific competencies valid for every type of library. The same is true for subject-specific competencies on „periphery‟. Generic competencies have been strongly valued by both groups of respondents. Participation in formal and informal learning opportunities has proved to be intrinsically motivated, self-directed and driven by pragmatic reasons – a wish to improve working skills and increase self-confidence. Practical implications – It is hoped that the competency-based approach applied to the CPD programme may bridge the gap between initially acquired competencies, labour market expectations and personal goals fostered by an integrative process of lifelong learning. Originality/value – The research is the first nation-wide investigation into the LIS competency framework in Croatia.

Item type: Conference paper
Keywords: competency framework in LIS, lifelong learning, librarians, Croatia
Subjects: G. Industry, profession and education. > GE. Staff.
G. Industry, profession and education. > GG. Curricula aspects.
G. Industry, profession and education. > GH. Education.
G. Industry, profession and education. > GI. Training.
Depositing user: dr. sc. Dijana Machala
Date deposited: 16 Jan 2013 14:59
Last modified: 02 Oct 2014 12:24
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/18148

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