Identifying indicators of professionalism among New Zealand special librarians

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to establish current trends among New Zealand Special Librarians' professional practices in order to identify professional indicators among their daily activities. To achieve this purpose a two-stage sequential mixed-method study was carried out. The first stage was a quantitative survey given to a random sample of Special Librarians within New Zealand. The second stage was qualitative e-mail interviews conducted with a purposive sample. The results showed ten regular activities performed by the respondents in pursuit of professional information and professional best practice. The proposed ten professional indicators were supported by the data and are recommended as a new tool to be adopted by the profession after further studies are conducted to prove their value to the greater library population.