The X-factor in academic libraries: the demand for soft skills in library employees

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2020-07-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge
Abstract

As the need for employees with technology skills and other expertise has increased within the contemporary academic library environment, so too has the need for employees with "soft skills." Soft skills refer to personal, learnable attributes, such as emotional intelligence, communication aptitude, persuasion facility, storytelling ability, collegiality, and even woo. While academic libraries are ever-changing, it is critical to bear in mind the importance of the human component. This article considers the need for soft skills within the contemporary academic library environment. It will draw upon successful instances of soft skills development from outside the academic library environment to synthesize new ways of enhancing library employees' soft skills.

Description
Keywords
Soft skills, emotional intelligence, library employees, academic libraries, technical skills, LEADERSHIP, DIRECTORS, STUDENTS, Information Science & Library Science
Citation
Decker, E. (2020): The X-Factor in Academic Libraries: The Demand for Soft Skills in Library Employees. College & Undergraduate Libraries, Issue 1.