Content analysis of public library job advertisements in New Zealand in 2000 and 2006 focusing on information literacy skills

Abstract

Information literacy skills are perceived as vital for successful participation in a vibrant knowledge economy and public libraries have been charged with providing digital access, lifelong learning opportunities and information literacy skills to their members. This research study aimed to generate information relating to the recruitment of new public library staff with respect to information literacy skills. The methodology used was quantitative in nature and comprised a content analysis of public library job advertisements in New Zealand in the years 2000 and 2006. The project focused on employer and workplace requirements in public libraries in New Zealand as reflected in job advertisements with specific emphasis on information literacy skills. The intention of the study was to examine whether the job advertisements for public library positions throughout New Zealand fully reflected the changing role of public library staff. The results indicate that though there was an increased number of advertisements in 2006 requesting information literacy skills the overall percentage of advertisements mentioning these skills explicitly was small. This indicates that public libraries in New Zealand are not yet conceptualizing information literacy skills explicitly within job advertisements. This has implications for recruitment of staff with appropriate skills who can successfully rise to the challenge of the changing role of public libraries with respect to promoting lifelong learning and information literacy