A Competency Model of Children’s Librarians in Public Libraries

The development and innovation of information technologies have influenced service models used in public libraries that address the needs of children. Based on the intricate meanings of competencies, this study integrated competency-based management and education and conducted detailed interviews for a theoretically grounded and multidimensional competency model for children’s librarians in public libraries. The results highlight these librarians’ competencies including specific knowledge and skills, general knowledge and skills, and personal attitude and characteristics. These findings may assist in developing competency models and practices related to competency development among children’s librarians for public libraries. The results are useful for human resource planning, recruiting, providing education and training, and evaluating the performance of children’s librarians in public libraries. Furthermore, the results may serve as a reference for the LIS academia to devise courses related to children’s services and improve teaching practices.