Capacity Development for Library and Other Information Professionals in a Knowledge-driven Society

  • Cephas Odini Moi University
  • Duncan Amoth Moi University
Keywords: Capacity Development, Library Staff, Knowledge driven, Information Professionals, Kenya

Abstract

The paper identifies knowledge as the key resource in the socio-economic development of a country since knowledge rather than capital or labour is increasingly becoming an important resource in the emerging information society. The paper discusses the concept of knowledge-based society as a society where knowledge workers are the dominant group in the workforce and where information technology allows knowledge to spread almost instantly making it accessible to everyone. Given the speed at which information travels, every organization in the knowledge society has to be globally competitive. The paper recognizes the changing nature of job activities as we enter the information society and the need to change the present education and training practices in order to equip the students with the requisite skills and competencies that will enable them to participate actively, creatively and comprehensively in the information economy. It stresses the need to exploit the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies in providing quality education which is vocational, more practical and work-based. It identifies the knowledge and skills that are lacking in the job market especially in the areas of Information Technology, Communication, Marketing, Financial Management and Total Quality Management. The authors recommends the strengthening of continuous education programmes in order to bridge the gaps and deficiencies that currently exist among the practicing information professionals in the emerging knowledge driven society.

Author Biographies

Cephas Odini, Moi University

School of Information Sciences

Department of Library, Records Management and Information Studies

Duncan Amoth, Moi University

School of Information Sciences

Department of Library, Records Management and Information Studies

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Published
2018-03-19
How to Cite
Odini, C., & Amoth, D. (2018). Capacity Development for Library and Other Information Professionals in a Knowledge-driven Society. East African Journal of Information Sciences, 1(1), 39 - 49. Retrieved from http://eajisjournal.mu.ac.ke/eajis/index.php/eajis/article/view/10
Section
Articles