Training needs of librarians handling Islamic Collections in Malaysia Academic Libraries

Abstract

Career training has recently attracted ample attention from researchers from various fields of studies. The objectives of this study is to examine the training needs, problems faced and factors that determine training needs of librarians handling Islamic collections in Malaysian academic libraries. The study adopted the use of questionnaire survey to gather responses from librarians in order to understand the skills, knowledge and abilities (SKAs) of the librarians handling Islamic collections in Malaysian academic libraries. Furthermore, the study determines the existing gaps of knowledge among the librarians. The study adopted the quantitative research method to elicit responses from 36 librarians from 5 academic libraries in Selangor Malaysia. The study found out that factors that determine training needs include library goals and objectives, individual job characteristics, library management supports and quality of services rendered by the library. The study also found out and discussed the problems faced by librarians handling Islamic collections in Malaysian academic libraries. The major problem encountered by the librarians is associated with understanding of Arabic language (spoken and writing). Other problems include management, organisation and classifications of Islamic monograph, serials, manuscripts and multimedia.