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Article
Publication date: 3 February 2021

Marsha-Gay Robinson

The purpose of this article is to examine what employers seek when recruiting library and information professionals for a special library environment in Jamaica.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine what employers seek when recruiting library and information professionals for a special library environment in Jamaica.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of a sample of 47 advertisements for information professionals in a special library environment in Jamaica from 2013 to 2019 was collected.

Findings

The findings indicated that a variety of professional, generic and personal attributes were in demand for these professionals. There was a strong emphasis on advanced computer skills as well as communication and interpersonal skills.

Research limitations/implications

While job advertisements offer some insight into skills requirements and qualifications for employment, it may not reflect the actual person employed.

Practical implications

This paper will provide useful information for library school educators, existing information professionals and those interested in entering the field as it provides an overview of the skills and requirements for jobs in the special library environment in Jamaica.

Originality/value

Despite there being a plethora of job advertisements studies in librarianship, few studies examine advertisements for information professionals in a special library environment. To the best of the author's knowledge, there is no study focusing on Jamaica.

Details

Library Management, vol. 42 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 11 July 2019

Marsha-Gay Robinson

The purpose of this paper is to examine the continuing professional development (CPD) activities undertaken by special librarians in Jamaica, their motivation, the challenges…

393

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the continuing professional development (CPD) activities undertaken by special librarians in Jamaica, their motivation, the challenges faced and the areas of interest for professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

Special librarians working in Jamaica were surveyed using an online questionnaire which was disseminated via e-mail.

Findings

The study indicates that special librarians in Jamaica were engaged in both formal and informal CPD activities. They were motivated by factors such as keeping up to date with changes in librarianship and personal satisfaction. Challenges to participating in CPD include, lack of funding, time constraints and lack of worthwhile options. Areas of interest for CPD were mainly information technology-based.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the contact lists of the special libraries section of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) and the Government Library and Information Network of the Jamaica Library and Information Network (JAMLIN).

Practical implications

The results have implications for the planning and implementation of continuing professional activities for Jamaica’s special librarians. It also fills a gap in library literature regarding the continuing professional activities of special librarians.

Originality/value

The paper is one of few studies focusing on the CPD activities of special librarians undertaken in a developing country.

Details

Library Management, vol. 40 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

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