Evaluating the Competencies of University Library Managers: A Case Study of University Library Managers of Ahvaz

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present a conceptual model of competencies of university library managers to evaluate their competencies in Ahvaz from the perspective of staff of these libraries.This research was a survey, applied, purposeful, descriptive and analytical in nature. The study population consisted of all the staffs of the academic libraries of Ahvaz city (n = 91). Finally, the conceptual model of competencies of university library managers was identified in 7 categories (Individual- behavioral; Socio- communication; Moral- value; Organizational- managerial; Insight- Perceptual; Innovative- Entrepreneurial and Specialty). The competencies of university library managers of Ahvaz city have been evaluated from the perspective of the staff of these libraries to be on a medium to high level.The results of this study indicate that due to the evolutions caused by the development of different technologies and the further movement of these libraries towards digitalization and electronicization, academic libraries need managers who in addition to managerial and specialized knowledge, are familiar with the latest technological advances and learn information literacy skills and other innovative and technological skills. Innovation: Most of the studies that have been undertaken for the study of university library managers have examined the performance of these libraries in a limited dimension. However, the present study was conducted to evaluate the competencies of the managers of Ahvaz academic libraries from different dimensions. The results of these evaluations can provide the basis for planning to address the weaknesses of the managers.

Keywords

• evaluation
• manager competency
• academic library
• ahvaz