Mary B. Student,
MLS Candidate [2007]

Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515

Department of Information and Library Science
Fax: 1.203.392-5780 / Phone: 1.203.392-5781
Toll Free: 1-888-500-SCSU, then press 4

Background on source of competencies used

"The Special Libraries Association (SLA)...has long been interested in the knowledge requirements of the field. The Association's members have explored and shared their vision of the competencies and skills required for specialized information management in many forums over the years. The first edition of the competencies document published in 1997 attempted to synthesize and build on earlier work in the light of ongoing social, technological and workplace change....In preparation for the 2003 revision, the committee discussed the latest trends and reviewed other competency documents in peer industries. SLA's revised research statement, Putting OUR Knowledge to Work, with its emphasis on evidence-based practice, was also found to be highly relevant. Evidence-based practice involves consciously and consistently making professional-level decisions that are based on the strongest evidence from research and best practice about what would work best for our clients." [http://www.sla.org/PDFs/Competencies2003_finallocked.pdf]

Three types of competencies resulted: Core Competencies, Professional Competencies, and Personal Competencies. "Professional Competencies relate to the practitioner's knowledge of information resources, access, technology and management, and the ability to use this knowledge as a basis for providing the highest quality information services. There are four major competencies, each augmented with specific skills: A. Managing Information Organizations; B. Managing Information Resources; C. Managing Information Services; D. Applying Information Tools and Technologies." "Personal Competencies represent a set of attitudes, skills and values that enable practitioners to work effectively and contribute positively to their organizations, clients and profession. These competencies range from being strong communicators, to demonstrating the value-add of their contributions, to remaining flexible and positive in an ever-changing environment.//Core Competencies anchor the professional and personal competencies. These two core competencies are absolutely essential for every information professional." [http://www.sla.org/PDFs/Competencies2003_finallocked.pdf]

The following matrix represents the SLA competencies that I feel I have achieved entry level competence.

Competencies Matrix