Importance Of Interpersonal Skills In The Library

1447 Words3 Pages

Introduction
We live in an information society where the development of information and communication technologies accompanied by a corresponding increase in knowledge with a rapidly growing flow of information. In this new information environment, library professionals require new skills in seeking, processing and disseminating information.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'skill' as ‘the ability do something well’. Skills can take many different forms. There are some skills that are task-oriented while others will be more behavior in nature. Some skills are concerned with hand-to-eye coordination while others are much more to do with thinking. Consequently skills can be categorized into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are technical in nature while soft …show more content…

Most activities in library depend to a great extend on how the librarian works in a team environment. The library professionals have to deal with all levels of people from users to colleague to management to vendors. To deal each of them in the right manner requires good interpersonal skills. In a large library with various departments, it is essential to build a good rapport with all department personnel for the smooth running of the library. The librarian must be able to interact effectively with one another in order to provide an optimal level of services to the users. Teamwork is crucial to the improvement of services, quality, innovations and productivity. Poor interpersonal skills may lead to conflicts between team members. People with this skill know the way to connect with others effortlessly. As a result, interpersonal skills reduce stress and conflict and enhance intimacy and understanding. Having positive interpersonal skills not only enhance the all round productivity of the library services, but also creates a positive environment in the

Open Document