Competency for Information Professionals
There are many types of competency that very important to be practiced by information professionals in order to manage information efficiently and effectively in any organizations. In this paper, we will discuss eleven of them that are crucial competency for information professionals in this information age.
i. Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential in any organizations especially in information service organizations such as libraries, archives institutions and information centers. This is because information cannot be transformed into usable knowledge without effective communicatation. Thus, no wonder why communicates effectively is one of the competencies which all information professionals should expert and used when communicate with other people.
How to communicate effectively? There are some methods for information professionals to communicate effectively. First, presents ideas clearly, succinctly and enthusiastically, either verbally or in writing, always in the language of the audience, and with an understanding of their perceptions and perspectives. Second, demonstrates a professionals, approachable presentation style with all audiences. Third, actively listens, considers and then responds. Fourth, request feedback on communication skills and uses it for self improvement. Sixth, avoid conflict in your interpersonal relationships.
Figure 1: Conflict Situation
Source: Maimunah Osman, Komunikasi berkesan-perhubungan
Interpersonal. (Kuala Lumpur: Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara, 2000): 100.
From this brief discussion, it is clearly showed that effective communication is very important to be applied by information pro...
... middle of paper ...
...information management in this age. We can see the example of challenges of information management in this age at library institutions. Now day, at library, everything is very much influence by the IT. There are exist online catalogue, online acquisition, automated library system, online borrowing, online searching and retrieval and etc. Thus, librarians must
learn how to use all these utilities to ensure that they can deliver excellent services to their customers.
Lifelong learning can be achieved in many forms. Some of these include enrolling in courses, attending seminars, learning by doing, shadowing, secondments, self directed learning and e-learning. Lifelong learning can also be in the form of an assistant or aide learning from observing his superior in action. Finally, lifelong learning can be achieved through the teaching of oneself something new.
Hybels, Saundra, and Richard L. Weaver. Communicating effectively. 4. ed. New York [u.a.: McGraw-Hill, 1995. Print.
In order to be able to communicate effectively, one must first understand that communication is not just speaking verbally. Communication consists of a variety of process in order to convey information from one person to another. Matsumoto & Juang state that
Communication is the process of conveying information to each another using words, actions, or by writing the information down to be read by another person. Communication is something that most people do at some point each day, and is an important part of life especially in a working environment. “The concept of communication is an essential part of every profession, and it is required to foster and maintain healthy relationships”( Jasmine, 2009, para. 1).
An effective communication is an individual’s duty. The information conveyed in a message is well understood when it is communicated in a carefully structured manner. It is important to note that people may have different interpretations on the same instructions given by the superior. It is essential to disseminate instructions
The field of information systems has grown and become more promising than in previous years. This increase demands highly skilled professionals to keep up with the quickly changing world of IS. Looking for a job in the Information Systems field opens the door for many disciplines, each with its significance in the business world. Most businesses need information systems skills to accomplish their goals. There is a wide selection of career options in the field of information systems. There are the technical positions, such as dealing with information management and hardware and software management, and the people-oriented technology positions, such as dealing with the design and operation of Internet applications (“Why Major,” n.d.).
Lifetime learners want to become knowledgeable through numerous situations in their lifetime (Bethel University, 2013). I think anyone can be a lifelong learner with determination, self-motivation, and the drive to learn anyone can achieve a lifelong education.There are many attributes that make up a great lifelong learner (Bethel University, 2013). Self-motivation and self-determination make for a great lifelong learner (Bethel University, 2013). Things you learn throughout your lifetime must be put into action by the way you analyze a situation to how you solve a problem is an example of lifelong learning (Bethel University, 2013). You may not think you are a lifelong learner but, every day something is evolving and every day you are learning something new. Utilize and impact everything you learned yesterday for today and any day forward. Using your knowledge and willing to grasp and sponge information and incorporate it into your everyday life is ultimately what a lifelong learner is (Bethel University,
Lifelong learning is seems as a package in the educational system. Government has looked into lifelong learning development and promotion carefully. For example, in Singapore, Continuing Education and Training (CET) master plan is a comprehensive plan to prepare the Singapore workforce for the future, The plan provide the fundamental of a lifelong learning system to help workers find their niches, seize opportunities in new growth areas and remain relevant and employable (Ministry of Manpower).
Turning to the issues related to information handling, the definition of the information management should be mentioned. According to Hinton’s perspective (2006, p.57) the information management is “the conscious process of gathering information”. A brief overview of the presumable information sources in a high-technology company can help to outline the situation. T...
What is the purpose of Lifelong Learning? Lifelong learning is the concept that learning and opportunities can go beyond that of compulsory education, as well as traditional routes, both academic and vocational. With ever expanding economic growth and globalization, the need for new skills is more prominent and lifelong learning and adult education is seen to have become a governmental response to socio-economic inequality, the financial crisis as well as the growing competition within industry both nationally and internationally. The notion of lifelong learning also presents itself as a “trinity.
In the current information technology atmosphere, libraries are facing a time of unparalleled transform and confront. Modern scientific development is creating new forms of information, new sources of information and new traditions of providing information bypass conventional institutional similar to libraries. There has been an ever-increasing demands on libraries to mobilize assets and become independent. Library users are transform into patrons with rising opportunity, miscellaneous needs and wants and choice. New Technology, the real challenge for library
Communication is the sharing of information between two or more persons or groups to reach a common understanding. In the communication, the information or ideas conveyed must be understood. Effective communication allows participants to properly exchange ideas. Communication is the two way process of exchanging information. Communication can be done through oral, verbal and written communication. Information is transmitted as words, tone of voice, and gestures and postures. Information can be shared face to face or by telephone, fax, e-mail, text messaging, videoconferencing, electronic-portfolios, chat, memos, letters, reports, etc. The number and types of methods increase as information technology systems become ever more involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge.
Lifelong learning is the process of gaining knowledge based on an individual’s interest and developing skills throughout the life to improve their life irrespective of traditional educational schooling activities. This long term process influences an individual’s personal development and improves their thinking and thought process thus recreating themselves in a new experience of the positiveness. These learning’s can be of different types ranging from the home education, cultural learning, personal learning, spiritual learning, learning to keep up to date with technologies and local medical sciences education etc. Learning through experiences in life helps an individual to visualize the purpose of life from a new prospective that inspires them to be self-contended.
Lastly, a huge benefit of lifelong learning is the enriching and fulfilling the life. To people for whom continuing education becomes second nature, they can look forward to active and meaningful lives instead of 20+ years of sitting around and watching life pass us by. A lifelong learner uses opportunities to explore these topics which they find
As in all aspects of personal and professional life, having effective communication is a key element of success. Effective communication can benefit your relationships with people. By conveying your message and integrating them as a member of the team and not just a subordinate leads to better production. By effectively communicating you can clearly define job responsibilities and expectations. The better you are able to communicate the less likely organizational turnover of personnel will occur. Supervisors and leaders in the professional workplace find that the most important factor in advancement and retain ability is effective communication. Senior level executives and human resources managers are stressing the importance of communication and providing more training for mid-level management. Emphasis is placed on communication being clear by being transmitted strongly.