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Journal of Information Science
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The changing role of paraprofessionals in the knowledge economy

Koh Lay Tin

Division of Information Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Suliman Al-Hawamdeh

Division of Information Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, assuliman{at}ntu.edu.sg

The advances in Internet, information and communication technologies have become the catalyst for the creation of the knowledge economy. The knowledge economy has brought about a whole range of opportunities and excitement and the changing roles of information professionals has been a result of these inevitable forces. In this study, we examine the changing roles of paraprofessionals in the knowledge economy and how that has impacted on traditional library services in the Singapore National Reference Library. The study assessed the competencies of paraprofessionals in their new role of providing reference services and meeting the changing needs of the library users. It also examined paraprofessional’s perceptions of the information service and factors affecting their roles and competency. The study showed that for paraprofessionals to be able to deliver quality reference service, a continuous training in areas such as the use of electronic sources, reference interview and search skills is needed as well as a change of mindset to re-instill the customer service commitment among these para-professionals.

Journal of Information Science, Vol. 28, No. 4, 331-343 (2002)
DOI: 10.1177/016555150202800407
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