How do you evaluate your library skills and competencies?

1 Identify your current role and responsibilities

The first step in evaluating your library skills and competencies is to identify your current role and responsibilities. What are the main tasks and functions that you perform in your library? What are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you need to perform them effectively? You can use a job description, a performance appraisal, or a self-assessment tool to help you define your current role and responsibilities.

2 Review the library standards and competencies

The next step is to review the library standards and competencies that apply to your role and your field. Library standards and competencies are documents that describe the expected level of performance and quality for library professionals. They can be developed by national or international associations, by accreditation bodies, or by individual libraries. You can find examples of library standards and competencies on the websites of the American Library Association, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, or the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

3 Compare your skills and competencies with the standards

The third step is to compare your skills and competencies with the standards and competencies that you have reviewed. How do you measure up to the expectations and benchmarks of your field? What are your strengths and what are your gaps? You can use a checklist, a rating scale, or a portfolio to help you compare your skills and competencies with the standards. You can also seek feedback from your peers, supervisors, mentors, or customers to get a more objective and comprehensive perspective.

4 Set your learning objectives and action plan

The fourth step is to set your learning objectives and action plan based on the results of your comparison. What are the specific skills and competencies that you want to develop or improve? How will you achieve them? What are the resources, activities, and timelines that you will use? You can use a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) framework to help you set your learning objectives and action plan. You can also use a personal development plan or a learning contract to document and monitor your progress.

5 Evaluate your learning outcomes and impact

The fifth step is to evaluate your learning outcomes and impact after you have completed your learning objectives and action plan. How have your skills and competencies improved as a result of your learning? How have you applied them to your library practice? How have they benefited your library and your customers? You can use a reflection, a test, a survey, or a case study to help you evaluate your learning outcomes and impact. You can also use a portfolio or a certificate to showcase your achievements and evidence of learning.

6 Update your skills and competencies regularly

The final step is to update your skills and competencies regularly as part of your ongoing professional development. Library skills and competencies are not static, but dynamic and evolving. You need to keep abreast of the changes and trends in your field, your library, and your customers. You need to review your role and responsibilities, the standards and competencies, and your learning objectives and action plan periodically and adjust them accordingly. You need to seek new opportunities and challenges to learn and grow as a library professional.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?