Professional identity and competency development in digital reference librarianship, skills, training and future direction

Purpose This study investigates professional identity and competency development among digital reference librarians in university libraries in Southwest Nigeria, with particular emphasis on skills, training, challenges and future directions. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative survey design. Data were collected from academic librarians to assess their levels of professional identity, digital competencies, access to training and perceived barriers to effective service delivery. Findings The findings reveal that librarians demonstrate a strong sense of professional identity and high competence in traditional digital reference services, such as database searching and user instruction. However, competencies related to artificial intelligence (AI)-mediated search systems remain comparatively low, indicating emerging skill gaps. Access to continuous professional development is moderate, with limited availability of AI-focused training programmes. Key challenges identified include inadequate digital infrastructure, rapid technological changes and role ambiguity. Additionally, professional identity, digital competence and access to training positively influence strategies for strengthening professional roles, while systemic challenges negatively impact them. Research limitations/implications The study suggests that enhancing digital reference services requires strategic alignment between individual competencies and institutional support. There is a need for targeted AI training, mentorship programmes and policy-driven interventions to address skill gaps and sustain librarians' relevance in rapidly evolving academic environments. Originality/value This study provides empirical insights into the interplay between professional identity, digital competencies and institutional factors in shaping digital reference services in Southwest Nigerian university libraries. It contributes to the growing discourse on integrating emerging technologies, particularly AI, into librarianship and highlights context-specific challenges and development pathways.