Body of professional knowledge required for academic librarians in Japan

Abstract

This paper explores the body of professional knowledge for academic librarians by researching library staff in Japanese colleges and universities. The research was undertaken in two ways. Initially 23 focus-group interviews were conducted at eight academic libraries from 2003 to 2005. Secondly a paper survey was carried out in 2004. Both of these targeted the whole body of the library staff, ranging from the chief librarian to junior staff. The authors have identified the knowledge and skills required for todayâ s academic librarians and learning opportunities that they preferred. The body of professional knowledge and skills revealed through the analysis of the outcomes of the research is presented here.