| The COVID-19 pandemic required library instruction to move into online environments.
However, many academic librarians lacked basic competencies to provide online library
instruction. This research used a competency-based needs assessment to identify competencies
academic librarians need to be successful in providing online library instruction. In addition,
barriers that may make it difficult for academic librarians to provide this instruction were
identified. To identify competencies, 18 experts in library instruction were interviewed.
Interview transcripts were coded using in vivo coding, axial coding, and codeweaving using
nVivo software to derive 24 competencies that were validated by the experts. Experts also
identified 7 barriers that may make it difficult for academic librarians to successfully adopt these
competencies and provide online library instruction. Findings show that while academic
librarians are required to provide a variety of library instruction, including online instruction, the
master’s programs that supposedly prepare academic librarians do not, in fact, adequately
prepare them to provide the instruction needed today. Academic librarians also have many
demands on their time and may not be able to learn or perform at the level of competencies
needed. This may mean that competencies are shared among various staff in an organization,
rather than individuals needing to meet all 24 competencies. Overall, this research provides a
method for academic librarians to identify gaps in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes in
providing online library instruction to work toward building competencies to improve online
learning.
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Keywords: academic librarians, online instruction, library and information science, competency-
based needs assessment, online learning competencies, professional development |