The education of librarians and the labour market

Abstract

Presents results from investigations into the information labour market, library school students′ work preferences and orientations. Also presents the ordinary citizen′s view of librarians and library work. These investigations show that Danish library school students have changed their work aspirations and disclose that the chance of job success is correlated with the chosen specialization at library school. Managers′ and the public′s perception of librarians shows that there are still traditional images to overcome. These investigations give a frame of reference for the discussion of necessary qualifications. The main problem in a modern library school curriculum is the mix of the traditional core disciplines with information technology and marketing subjects. Discusses this in detail, concluding with a list of necessary competences.