Information Specialist and Digital Environment Challenges at Algerian University Libraries: Between the need for training and the development of practices

Abstract

The aim of the study is to publicize the various main areas that must be included in the formative programmes to prepare the information specialist to deal with various digital transformations, to identify the different practices he adopts to develop the services provided and to achieve efficiency and quality in library services by identifying the necessary qualifications for work. To that end, the descriptive curriculum and questionnaire tool for collecting information from researchers were drawn up. A random sample of 50% of the information specialists from the libraries of the University of Constantine 1 was selected to identify the most important points necessary to support desk work in the digital environment. The study concluded that in order to adapt to the information environment and in different sectors, existing formative programmes for preparing information specialists, both during university education and in-service continuing training, should be developed and innovative.