Library Services For The Digital Age: Redefining The Role Of Librarians In A Changing Information Landscape

Abstract

Digital technology's quick evolution requires libraries to redefine their services, which demands a new definition of the librarian's role. The research examines librarian' digital competencies and their evolving responsibilities within different library settings, particularly academic and public libraries. The research used both quantitative questionnaire data and qualitative interview data. The assessment utilized surveys to evaluate librarians’ digital competency levels regarding resource management, user engagement, and digital literacy training across multiple countries. Through qualitative interviews, researchers gained a deep understanding of librarians' digital role implementation process and their encountered difficulties. A statistical analysis evaluated competency levels while examining the relationship between experience duration and geographical location. The study demonstrates that digital resource management and user engagement represent core responsibilities, while 75% of participants demonstrate moderate to high digital competency levels. The data revealed that librarian' experience directly correlated with their advanced digital skills (r = 0.68, p < 0.05). Librarians in developed nations focused on user-centered digital services, but their developing nation counterparts focused on establishing basic tasks. The study reveals an immediate requirement for enhanced digital skill education and support systems in areas developing their digital infrastructure. Future research must address both the sustained growth of digital competencies and ethical questions within digital librarianship.