Digital Awareness, Digital Literacy Skills, and Digital Proficiency of Librarians in Qatar National Library
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15802/unilib/2024_316811Keywords:
digital awareness, digital literacy, digital proficiency, librarians, Qatar National Library, social media, technology integration, digital preservation, library digitizationAbstract
Objective. This study aims to determine the level of digital awareness, literacy, and proficiency among librarians in Qatar National Library. It seeks to explore the relationship between these variables and how they contribute to service delivery. Additionally, the study aims to formulate an action plan to improve librarians’ digital skills, particularly in digital preservation, digitization, and online services. Methods. The study employed a descriptive-correlational survey method to gather data from selected librarians at Qatar National Library. A structured questionnaire was distributed to assess the respondents' digital awareness, literacy, and proficiency levels. The results were analysed using weighted mean averages and correlation tests to establish the relationships between these variables. Results. The findings revealed that the librarians had a very high level of digital awareness (mean of 3.29), digital literacy (mean of 3.29), and digital proficiency (mean of 3.25). Significant relationships were found between digital awareness and literacy, digital literacy and proficiency, and digital awareness and proficiency. These results indicate that the more aware librarians are of digital technologies, the more proficient they become in applying these skills in library services. Conclusions. Librarians at Qatar National Library are highly aware of and skilled in digital technologies, with a strong correlation between awareness, literacy, and proficiency. However, there remains room for growth in areas such as digitization and digital preservation. Action plans should focus on continuous digital skill development to keep pace with emerging technologies.
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