Perceived training needs assessment of librarians in Tanzanian academic libraries aimed at introducing microlearning intervention to training

ABSTRACT

The constant change in technology, its impact on the electronic information environment and complex library users are forcing academic librarians to majorly change their skill set. Patrons no longer request for physical information but are accessing and retrieving information electronically. This study investigated the current training needs of librarians in Tanzanian academic libraries with the aim of developing microlearning intervention for training. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 138 librarians in six Tanzanian academic libraries. Results identified the most important competencies and skills needed by the librarians and also identified barriers to librarians training. Identifying librarians’ training needs will accelerate the training required for the librarians to gain current expertise based on need. Using microlearning for training will eliminate the barriers to librarians’ training. Increasing training and learning efficiency is crucial if these academic libraries are to maintain relevance and continue to meet the needs of their users.

KEYWORDS:

• Training needs assessment
• librarian’s training and development
• librarians’ knowledge and skills
• microlearning
• Tanzania

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad.

Notes on contributors

Irene Shubi Isibika

Irene Shubi Isibika is a lecturer in Library and Information Science at Mzumbe University.  Irene is a holder of Masters in Information Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Irene is currently doing her Ph.D. studies at Vrije Universiteit focusing mainly on using microlearning for workplace learning.  Her research interest is in mobile technology for the provision of library services, digital libraries, education technologies. 

Chang Zhu

Chang Zhu is a full professor in Educational Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). She is the promoter and principal investigator of several key fundamental research projects in the field of higher education, internationalization, university governance, academic leadership, international academic mobility, student competence and literacy development, educational innovation, online and blended learning, MOOC, ICT-supported learning and social inclusion. Her research mainly focuses on higher education governance and academic leadership, the implementation of educational innovations in schools and higher education, and the examination of cultural, organizational culture, innovations in higher education. She has been and is coordinating several large-scale fundamental and collaborative international research projects.

Egbert De Smet

Egbert de Smet obtained his secondary studies (classical languages) in which he studied 'Political and Social Sciences with an emphasis on Sociology at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. After obtaining his degree started to work as a researcher at the University of Antwerp on a project about 'Literature and Society', followed by a project on Cultural Social Indicators. From its initial establishment on (1983), he worked as an academic coordinator for the Interuniversity Special Degree in Information and Library Science, still at the University of Antwerp, and obtained his Ph.D. with a project on automated online Community Information. After the re-organization of the Special Degree to a non-formal post-academic training' program, he continues to work as a project coordinator for the University of Antwerp, specializing in information aspects and library technology in international development, mainly focusing on the ISIS-technology.

Albogast K. Musabila

Albogast Kilangi Musabila is a Lecturer in Business Management, Procurement and Logistics Management, Information System and Technology. Musabila is a holder of a Ph.D. in Information Technology Management from VU University in the Netherlands, Masters of Information System and Technology from Agder University College, an Advanced Diploma in Information Systems from Agder University College, and an Advanced Diploma in Materials Management from the Institute of Development Management. Dr. Musabila is actively involved in teaching, training, consulting, and researching in Business Management, Procurement and Logistics Management, Information system and Technology Management, E-government and E-parliament, Educational Innovation and Inclusion, and Online and blended learning. He is currently serving as the Director for Library and Technical Services at Mzumbe University. Dr. Musabila also has diversified experiences in initiating and coordinating several large-scale collaborative international research projects.