The essential skills required by librarians to support medical virtual learning programs

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Educational Technology
• Higher Education

Background:

• The proliferation of virtual learning in universities, particularly in medical sciences, necessitates robust library support.
• Libraries are integral to the success of virtual learning programs, requiring librarians to adapt their skill sets.
• This study addresses the need to evaluate librarian competencies in supporting emerging educational modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the essential skills required for librarians supporting virtual learning programs.
• To assess the current skill levels of librarians at Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in virtual learning support.
• To identify areas for professional development to enhance librarian performance in virtual educational settings.

Main Methods:

• An applied survey research design was employed.
• A sample of 89 librarians from Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences was selected using stratified random sampling.
• Data were collected via a validated and reliable researcher-made questionnaire assessing virtual learning skills using a Likert scale.

Main Results:

• Librarians demonstrated low skill levels in online reference services and familiarity with virtual learning environments.
• Competencies in general information technology, communication, electronic information literacy instruction, and electronic resource access were found to be low to average.
• No significant differences in skills were observed between the two universities or between male and female librarians, but librarians with a background in librarianship and information sciences were more proficient.

Conclusions:

• Librarians in the studied universities exhibit insufficient skills to effectively support virtual learning programs.
• There is a clear need for continuous professional development, specifically through on-the-job virtual training, to upskill librarians.
• Enhancing librarian competencies is vital for improving the quality of library services in the context of virtual education.