Information and Communication Technology Competencies

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 84 views

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra Library (USU) is a leading institution in the field of education and research, and as such, it is essential to evaluate the competency of its librarians in the era of Library 4.0. The Library 4.0 era is characterized by the use of technology and digital resources to provide information and services to users. In this context, the research aims to analyze the competency of librarians in the USU library, focusing on their professional, individual, and information technology and communication competencies.

Methodology

The research used a quantitative approach to collect data directly from respondents, which were then analyzed and interpreted to answer existing problems. The data was collected using a questionnaire that was distributed to librarians in the USU library. The questionnaire consisted of three main dimensions: professional competencies, individual competencies, and information technology and communication competencies.

Librarian Competency in the Library Era 4.0

The results of the analysis show that the competence of librarians in the USU library can be viewed from three main dimensions: professional competencies, individual competencies, and information technology and communication competencies.

Professional Competence

From the aspect of professional competence, librarians in the USU library obtained an average value of 3.5. Based on the interval scale, this result can be categorized as good. This shows that librarians have adequate knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties, although there is still room for further development. Librarians with good professional competence are able to provide accurate and relevant information to users, and are able to perform their duties efficiently and effectively.

Individual Competence

In the dimensions of individual competencies, librarians get an average value of 3.6, which indicates a very good category. This means that librarians not only have technical knowledge, but also good interpersonal abilities, such as communication and collaboration with library users. This ability is very important in building positive relationships with students and other academics. Librarians with good individual competence are able to communicate effectively with users, and are able to build trust and rapport with them.

Information and Communication Technology Competencies

However, when considering the competency of information and communication technology, librarians only get an average value of 2.5, which can be considered unfavorable. This shows that there are deficiencies in understanding and skills in using modern technology, which is very vital in the current digital era. With the increasing number of information available online, librarians need to improve their ability to find, process, and present information with the help of technology. Librarians with good information and communication technology competencies are able to use technology to provide information and services to users, and are able to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Relevance and Research Implications

This study has a high relevance, especially in the context of library development in the digital age. Library 4.0 requires librarians not only to become information providers, but also as a guide in helping users find and utilize available information resources. For this reason, the development of librarian competencies in information technology must be the focus of attention for library management. The development of librarian competencies in information technology is essential in order to provide effective and efficient services to users in the digital age.

The implication of the results of this study was the need for a directed training and development program for librarians, especially in the field of information and communication technology. By increasing this competence, librarians in the USU library will be better prepared to face the challenges that arise in the era of digital libraries and can provide better services to users. A directed training and development program for librarians is essential in order to improve their competencies and provide effective and efficient services to users.

Conclusion

Overall, the competence of librarians in the University of North Sumatra Library shows varied results. Although the professional and individual aspects are classified as good, special attention must be given to improving the competency of information and communication technology. Thus, the library can be more effective in serving user information needs in the library 4.0 era. This will help strengthen the role of librarians as a mediator in the world of information that is increasingly complex and dynamic. The development of librarian competencies in information technology is essential in order to provide effective and efficient services to users in the digital age.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

A directed training and development program for librarians, especially in the field of information and communication technology, should be implemented.
The library management should provide opportunities for librarians to attend workshops and conferences related to information technology and communication.
The library should invest in technology and digital resources to support the development of librarian competencies in information technology.
The library should establish a mentorship program to support the development of librarian competencies in information technology.

By implementing these recommendations, the library can improve the competencies of its librarians and provide effective and efficient services to users in the digital age.

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra Library (USU) is a leading institution in the field of education and research, and as such, it is essential to evaluate the competency of its librarians in the era of Library 4.0. In our previous article, we analyzed the competency of librarians in the USU library, focusing on their professional, individual, and information technology and communication competencies. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions related to librarian competency in the Library Era 4.0.

Q: What is the Library Era 4.0?

A: The Library Era 4.0 is a new era of library development that focuses on the use of technology and digital resources to provide information and services to users. It requires librarians to become information providers, guides, and mediators in the world of information.

Q: What are the key competencies required for librarians in the Library Era 4.0?

A: The key competencies required for librarians in the Library Era 4.0 include professional competencies, individual competencies, and information technology and communication competencies. Librarians need to have good knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties, good interpersonal abilities, and the ability to use technology to provide information and services to users.

Q: What are the challenges faced by librarians in the Library Era 4.0?

A: The challenges faced by librarians in the Library Era 4.0 include the need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, the need to use technology to provide information and services to users, and the need to build positive relationships with users.

Q: How can librarians improve their competencies in the Library Era 4.0?

A: Librarians can improve their competencies in the Library Era 4.0 by attending workshops and conferences related to information technology and communication, by participating in online courses and training programs, and by seeking mentorship from experienced librarians.

Q: What is the role of library management in supporting the development of librarian competencies in the Library Era 4.0?

A: The role of library management in supporting the development of librarian competencies in the Library Era 4.0 includes providing opportunities for librarians to attend workshops and conferences related to information technology and communication, investing in technology and digital resources, and establishing a mentorship program to support the development of librarian competencies.

Q: What are the benefits of developing librarian competencies in the Library Era 4.0?

A: The benefits of developing librarian competencies in the Library Era 4.0 include the ability to provide effective and efficient services to users, the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, and the ability to build positive relationships with users.

Conclusion

The Library Era 4.0 requires librarians to have good knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties, good interpersonal abilities, and the ability to use technology to provide information and services to users. By developing their competencies in the Library Era 4.0, librarians can provide effective and efficient services to users, stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, and build positive relationships with users.

Recommendations

Based on the answers to the frequently asked questions, the following recommendations are made:

Librarians should attend workshops and conferences related to information technology and communication to improve their competencies.
Library management should provide opportunities for librarians to attend workshops and conferences related to information technology and communication.
Library management should invest in technology and digital resources to support the development of librarian competencies.
Library management should establish a mentorship program to support the development of librarian competencies.

By implementing these recommendations, librarians can improve their competencies in the Library Era 4.0 and provide effective and efficient services to users.