Measurement of generic core competencies among students of library and information science in Iran

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the present survey is to identify and measure generic core competencies essential for Iranian library and information science (LIS) students. Design/methodology/approach – The study population included all undergraduate LIS students in Iran, and the sample included all undergraduate LIS students in the three universities of Tehran, Shahid Chamran and Ferdowsi of Mashhad. The study was performed during the second semester (February to May) of the 2010-2011 academic year. After a thorough review of the literature, a pattern for generic core competencies was formulated and, accordingly, a researcher-designed questionnaire was developed and distributed. The final data analysis was carried out using 207 completed questionnaires, and the data were analysed using the SPSS19 software. Findings – Except for English and management, the major participants’ scores mean for the 12 identified generic core competencies were higher than the total mean. Originality/value – Besides presenting a new theoretical pattern for measuring core generic competencies, especially for students in the LIS field, the study is expected to help higher education planners to channel their efforts into strengthening the examined competencies.