21st century librarians and effective information service delivery

Abstract

This article describes the nature of the 21^st century and the changing role of academic libraries in the new millennium. It sheds light on the development of hybrid libraries as a panacea for meeting the information needs of twenty first century library users who exhibit much dexterity in using new technologies. It further explores emerging trends in information provision which can be employed by 21^st century librarians to reposition the academic library for effective service delivery. Lack of competency, lack of technology literacy and inadequate power supply were highlighted as some of the challenges that hinder effective service delivery. The article submits that librarians should make efforts to acquire 21^st century skills through personal training so as to be relevant and defend their profession since funds mapped for training are not always adequate.

Keywords: service delivery; librarians, academic libraries; information needs