Library and information workers in Gaza Strip : supply and demand

Author

Abu Namus, Yasir E. S.

Source

المؤتمر الثامن عشر للاتحاد العربي للمكتبات و المعلومات (اعلم) : مهنة المكتبات و تحديات الواقع و المستقبل و دورها في الوصول الحر للمعلومات العلمية، جدة (السعودية) 17-20 نوفمبر 2007.

Publisher

Arab Federation for Libraries and Information

Publication Date

2007-11-30

Country of Publication

Tunisia

No. of Pages

33

Main Subjects

Library Sciences

Topics

• Conferences
• Palestine
• Gaza Strip

English Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of library and information workers in Palestine after long time of Israel invasion and destruction, to project future manpower requirements and to propose recommendations for the future.

This study was also designed for allowing the library sector to be analyzed with a greater degree of divisibility.

Furthermore, it was devised to identify the trends and circumstances in different types and sizes of libraries.

Data was collected with (a) a questionnaire sent to respondents in four types of library and information centers and (b) interviews with key officials, head librarians, and directors of libraries and information centers.

A manpower forecasting model was used to generate the projections.

The findings of the study indicated that the current supply of library and information workers in Gaza Strip is deficient in number and necessary skills.

The majority of library and information center staff is paraprofessionals.

The study projects the manpower requirements for four types of library and information centers at three levels : high, middle, and low projections.

According to the study findings, the shortage of library and information workers in Gaza Strip is very real.

To address this shortage a number of changes should occur : (a) the level of library and information science education should improve.

(b) Current staff should given intensive training.

(c) Salaries and incentives should be improved.

(d) Work conditions and environment should be improved.

(e) Professionals and subject specialists from other fields should be recruited.

(f) A national committee should be established for information manpower planning.

Data Type

Conference Papers

Record ID

BIM-375921

• APA
• MLA
• AMA