Research project on the impact of information technology upon the skills and tasks of special librarians in New Zealand

Abstract

This research project focuses on the impact of information technology upon the skills and tasks of special librarians in New Zealand. It examines which information technology tasks and skills are important to the role of a special librarian and uses a job analysis methodology. A combination of a questionnaire and a job/task skills checklist were the data gathering instruments. An anonymous survey of special librarians in the Wellington region formed the population sample. Internet and database searching are identified as key tasks. A large proportion of a working week is spent on information technology tasks. Time spent teaching skills is an area of importance to the job role. Developments in the area of new tasks and skills needed is discussed. The large variation in job titles is also discussed with a focus on the impact of information technology.