By Vanessa Middleton
Librarians are critical to the development of the knowledge based economy; librarians are essential knowledge workers. As big data abounds and pervasive information overload persists; an information specialist is necessary to empower individuals with the tools and special skills required to navigate through vast data to meet their specific needs. Ultimately, they help to develop, create and innovate ideas into viable solutions.
UNESCO’s development target emphasizes the importance of ensuring people have the skills and abilities needed for critical reception, assessment and use of information and media in their professional and personal lives. According to UNESCO, “empowerment of people through information and media literacy is an important prerequisite for fostering equitable access to information and knowledge, and building inclusive knowledge societies.”
Most people assume librarians don’t have to do much all day except read books. Not so – our duties represent a multitude of activities, which include development, information and instructional technology, teaching, research support, data analysis, planning and much, much more. Most people assume librarians don’t require any qualifications. Not so – the terminal degree for the profession is a Master of Library and Information Science. PhD opportunities are also available in this discipline. Most librarians have a wide range of undergraduate degrees in many different disciplines. Therefore these individuals with a rich and diverse educational background and discipline bring their expertise to the field.
The American University of the Emirates in Dubai offers one of the only Master of Library and Information Science Degree for those interested in pursuing further studies in Library and Information Science in the UAE. The University College of London has recently opened a branch in Doha exclusively offering Master Degrees in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage, Conservation and Archaeology. Most people assume librarians are all in the same field however there are many different areas of specialization including school librarianship, academic/university librarianship, museums, law, government, special or corporate librarianship as well as public librarianship. Even more specialized fields include archivists, information literacy specialists, geographic information systems specialists, instructional technologists and more.
You can learn more about librarianship at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair. The American Library Association has teamed up with the organizers of the festival to present a three-day Librarian’s Professional Development series. The event will take place during the Sharjah International Book Fair, November 11th – 13th. Meet and greet the president of the American Library Association, which is one of the oldest and largest library associations in the world. Over 40 international speakers will share their expertise and insight on trends in the profession; you would be able to experience a wide variety of programmes as well as network with regional library professionals.
(Librarian featured image courtesy of Small Review)
