DIGITAL COMPETENCES OF LIBRARY EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY LIBRARY “IVAN GORAN KOVAČIĆ” KARLOVAC

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to examine the level of digital competencies of the professional staff of the City Library in Karlovac and determine the extent to which digital competencies of librarians are necessary for library work and how they improve library services. Approach/methodology/design: The survey was conducted during October 2021 by using an online questionnaire. The participants in the research were library employees from the “Ivan Goran Kovačić” City Library Karlovac. Twenty-six librarians par-ticipated in the research. Results: The research showed that most librarians of the “Ivan Goran Kovačić” City Library Karlovac felt the impact of new technologies and realized that they must constant-ly adapt their knowledge and skills to the changes in their environment. In the self-assess-ment section in the field of digital competences of information, most respondents stated that they are most experienced in browsing, searching and filtering information, and also storing and retrieving information, which emphasized the central role of users, since librarians must be able to satisfy their inquiries and help them in their search for informa-tion. It was also revealed that most librarians of the “Ivan Goran Kovačić” City Library independently develop their digital competencies, despite the existence of a system for professional advancement and continuing professional education of librarians. Value: The results of the research can be used by the library to plan additional education to improve the competencies of librarians, but also to form new programs for users.