How do early career health sciences information professionals gain competencies?

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Information Science
• Professional Development

Background:

• The Medical Library Association (MLA) establishes competencies for lifelong learning and professional success in health sciences information professionals.
• Assessing the self-reported attainment of these competencies among early career professionals is crucial for understanding workforce readiness and informing future training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe early career health sciences information professionals' self-reported attainment of the MLA Competencies for Lifelong Learning and Professional Success.
• To investigate the methods used by these professionals to develop these essential competencies.

Main Methods:

• A SurveyMonkey survey was administered to early career health information professionals (defined as <5 years of experience).
• Participants rated their attainment of seven MLA competencies on a five-point Likert scale and indicated methods of acquisition.
• The survey was distributed via MLA and related email discussion lists, ensuring anonymity.

Main Results:

• A majority of respondents (187 total, 95 complete) agreed they had attained all seven competencies.
• Formal library and information studies education was the most frequently reported method for competency development.
• Mentoring, volunteering, and internships were the least reported methods for competency acquisition.
• Highest confidence was reported for "Health Sciences Information Services," while lowest confidence was in "Research, Analysis, and Interpretation."

Conclusions:

• Findings inform discussions on proposed changes to MLA competencies.
• Results can guide the development of educational and professional development programs for early career health information professionals.