New roles for information professionals - User education as a core professional competency within the new information environment

This paper is derived in part from the findings of a six-month research pro ject which was completed in June 1998 and which had as its objective the ex amination of a range of issues related to the strategic development of netw ork technology in Scottish libraries. Until recently the literature on tech nological development and professional change has focused rather narrowly o n computer competencies. There is a need to examine the profession's new ro les much more broadly if information professionals are to highlight their u nique contribution to managing the new information environment and facilita ting end-user access to online information. Some key skill areas are identi fied as particularly important, but user education is highlighted as the ar ea of greatest consequence or most professionals. The new importance of use r education in an environment changed by electronic networks is argued for, and the barriers to developing new instructional roles discussed. A strate gic approach to teaching information professionals to teach is recommended.