Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and document the skills and knowledge needs of
future library professionals in Qatar and to use the outcomes of this research to help develop or refine
focused library and information studies course curricula that meet the needs of the local workforce and
also guide or improve national or local professional development programmes.
Design/methodology/approach – A skills and knowledge needs assessment survey was sent to
library professionals, LIS students and library managers in Qatar. A total of 109 respondents
completed the survey, a representation of around 25 per cent of the current LIS workforce in Qatar.
Findings – Findings indicated that respondents felt that the most needed future job roles included
more client focused positions such as research librarians, information services librarians and subject
librarians, as well as technical roles such as Arabic cataloguers, electronic resources librarians and
system librarians. The largest amount of needed positions was also felt to be in school libraries.
Respondents to the survey also felt that there was a lack of opportunities for professional development
in Qatar and that the most needed area of skills training was information literacy, followed by
copyright training and technical skills including RDA and Arabic cataloguing. One further finding
identified from the survey was the concern felt by respondents about the lack of a professional body in
Qatar that represented LIS professionals.
Practical implications – This paper provides data on future roles, skills and knowledge needed by
library professionals working in international and culturally diverse workforces. It also provides
findings that can be used to develop LIS curriculum and professional development programmes in
international LIS environments.
Originality/value – A detailed needs assessment of this kind has not previously been undertaken in
Qatar. The library and information sector in Qatar is an emerging field with a largely international
workforce. This situation provides a distinct perspective on the needs of an emerging library sector
that is a blend of different cultures, workplace practices and differing expectations and understandings
of the role and skills needed to be a LIS professional.
Keywords Skills, Knowledge, Job roles, Library profession, LIS programmes,
Professional development
Paper type Research paper