A review of competencies needed for health librarians – a comparison of Irish and international practice

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this review was to uncover areas of competence which may lead to a baseline of skills for health librarians. A baseline could inform personal development plans for health librarians, criteria for job descriptions and curriculum for library and information science (LIS) courses. Methods: This research outlines existing competencies for librarians working in health care as defined by library associations, recent job descriptions and a mapping review of the library and information science literature. This is performed in the context of librarians working in the Irish health system with examples of practice drawn from the Irish experience. Results: Ten areas of competence were found to be common to three of five library associations, which were also common to recent job descriptions. The literature reveals an ever changing working environment for librarians working in health with opportunities for new and evolving roles. Conclusions: The challenge for librarians moving into these roles will be to stay relevant and to keep skills updated in a rapidly moving health and information environment.Keywords: competencies; health education; Northern Ireland; Southern Ireland (Eire); librarians; libraries; professional associations Key Messages• Professional library associations representing health librarians need to develop education policies that include specific competencies for librarians working in health care.• Library associations should consider collaborating internationally to formulate education policies and standards tailored specifically to health librarians and libraries.• The authors recommend fundamental revision of curricula in library and information schools in Ireland and the UK to include the baseline competencies described.• Health librarians should consider a baseline of 10 competency areas when drawing up personal professional development plans.

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