Being relevant in the information society : continuing education for library and information workers : a case study of Malta

Abstract

The Information Society is transforming the nature of the services and the working environment of library and information workers all over the world. This represents a challenge that must not be underestimated by the Maltese authorities and the library and information workers themselves. All Maltese library and information workers, irrespective of their qualifications and position need to realise that the environment around them is changing. To be able to play a relevant role, the current workforce needs to acquire a new set of skills that enables them to contribute fully to the Information Society. Consequently, continuing education (CE) has become an indispensable tool in providing the current and future workforce with the skills to remain relevant in the changing society. Examination of the recent international literature identifies a number of projects and papers that have examined and discussed the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the services offered by the various library and information workers. The need of further skills such as interpersonal and communication skills is also discussed. In contrast to other countries, however, no research on the skills needed by the Maltese workforce was identified. Training opportunities for local library and information workers are sporadic and this has often been the result of a reaction to change rather than an anticipation of future needs and planning for new services. The importance of continuing education (CE) must be emphasised if library and information workers want to play a relevant role in the information society.