How digitally dexterous are library staff?

Digital skills are necessary in 100% of library roles, according to a recent survey of staff across school, public, academic and special libraries. And staff can’t afford to stand still. There is a constant need to update skills and build confidence, with 91% saying they would be looking for further opportunities to strengthen their digital dexterity in the next 12 months.

In August 2019, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) partnered with the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) to extend the investigation of the digital dexterity of library staff across Australia beyond universities. This exploration took the form of a survey which revealed a snapshot of the current digital dexterity of the survey respondents.

Sue McKerracher, ALIA CEO, said ‘feedback from the survey confirms that digital dexterity is the new norm for library staff. It’s reflected in ALIA’s professional development activities and training courses, and it is the new reality for anyone working in our sector.’

The survey revealed that 93% of respondents said digital skills were highly relevant in the library workplace and 7% said ‘somewhat relevant’. Most respondents (75%) said their digital confidence had increased over the last 12 months and 90% had had opportunities to build their digital dexterity through work-based PD (65%), the ALIA PD Scheme (4%), ALIA Training (2%), CAUL digital dexterity program (2%) and other activities (17%).

The full results of the survey can be seen on the ALIA website.

About the Australian Library and Information Association

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector.

With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au.  

Contact:  

Karolina Firman, Communications Officer, karolina.firman@alia.org.au

Released
Wednesday 25 September 2019 10:00am
https://alia.org.au/news/19490/how-digitally-dexterous-are-library-staff
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