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

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. \nDesign/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. \nFindings – 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. \nPractical 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. \nOriginality/value – The research is the first nation-wide investigation into the LIS competency framework in Croatia.

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