ASEAN Integration: Cross Border Mobility of Librarians

Pimrumpai Premsmit

Foreigners working in Thailand• Valid visa

• Work permit• Occupations that does not violate

the Alien Employment Act

Occupations are closed to foreigners Alien Employment Act

• Such as :• Professional engineering concerning

design….• Professional architectural work concerning

design …….• Clerical and secretary work

• NO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE (LIS) PROFESSION

• LIS is not a regulated profession.• In Thailand, LIS professional does not

require a license.

Foreigner employment in universities : CU case study

• Documents needed for application:– academic records and rational for employment

– Work experience– education qualifications (certificates,

unidegrees)– non –immigrant B passport• Two types of contracts

– More than 2 years– Under 2 years

• Work Permit

Information Professionals• An information professionals (IP) strategically

uses information in his/her job to advance the mission of the organization. The IP

accomplishes this through the development, deployment, and management of information

resources and services. The IP harnesses technology as a critical tool to accomplish

goals. • IPs include, but are not limited to librarians,

knowledge managers, chief information officers, web developers, information brokers,

and consultants.

Modern Information Professionals

Characterizes the emphasis given to information and the access to information

Definitions of Competencies

• The combination of observable and measurable knowledge, skills, abilities and personal attributes that contribute to enhanced employee performance and ultimately result in organizational success.

• Knowledge - formal education and training

• Skills or abilities – practice

• Attitudes – emotional and social aspects

Core Competencies ( Gorman and Corbitt)

• Client needs and services• Management of people and resou

rces• Technology utilization

• Organization of knowledge

Competencies (Premsmit 2004)

• Management• Information resources / knowledge

resources and information resources management

• User needs and information services• Technology and technology utilization• General competencies

Management

• Provide leadership• Have interpersonal skills• Foster quality assurance

• Policies & planning• Understand and commit to missio

n, value and vision of organization

Information and knowledge resour ces/ information resources manage

ment• e valuate and select information resource

s• have expert knowledge of information res

ources’ contents and forms• provide access to internal & external reso

urces• identify information sources appropriate

to users’ needs• know the principles and methods of knowl

edge organization

User needs and informationservices• i nformation need analysis• research, analyze and synthesize

information• understand information seeking

behavior• connect users with needed infor

mation• evaluate service effectiveness

Technology and technology utilization• e valuate and select appropriate t

echnology• staff training on technology• use Internet service• e lectronic/digital libraries develo

pment• provide electronic services

General competencies

• f oster collaborative network• - self development planning• understand laws and regulations

related to information• knowledge and commitment to pr

ofessional ethics• academic work production

EXAMPLE

Primary Assistant LibrarianBangkok International Prep and Secondary School Wattana

Department: AcademicReport to: Whole School Head Teaching Librarian & Coordinator

1. Acquisition

1.1 Do research for resources that the primary students and teachers might need and contact subject teachers for any

subject interests.1.2 Seek for resources needed in # 1.1 and for any new

Fiction, Non-fiction and other resources for students.         

1.3 Enter acquisitions to the digital system.1.4 Place resource and book orders and contact the

purchasing staff.

2. Services2.1 Check in, check out, reserve, and recall books from

the users.2.2 Provide reference service by helping students

search resources via the library systems and other searching tools.

2.3 Make notices for students and accountants.2.4 Ensure the return of leaving students’ library books

and textbooks. & liaise with Accounting.2.5 Make displays to promote any new and interesting

books to the students.

3. Technical works3.1 Receive & run accession number of resources in library &

textbook collections.3.2 Make catalogues of resources in the library system.

3.3 Make spines, sticking signs and covering.3.4 Bind periodicals and do some book repairs.

3.5 Shelve books.3.6 Weeding of old library and textbooks

4. Periodicals works4.1 Work with teachers for the needs of subscribing, quitting

or renewing periodicals.4.2 Create & maintain a periodical back issue check out

system/4.3 Make clippings for subject teachers when requested.4.4 Maintain back issue of magazines & newspapers to

agreed upon back date.5. Teaching

5.1 Teach basic library skills for new students who arrive within the school year.

5.2 Support curriculum lessons taught by Head Teaching Librarian or subject teachers.

6. Administration works6.1 Assist Head Librarian in revising & updating Sec. Library

policy as needed.6.2 Assist Head Librarian in creating Sec. Library plan for

each academic year.6.3 Ensure library computer work daily. Liaise with ICT for

repairs or updates.6.4 Communicate repairs and cleanliness needs to

maintenance as needed. 6.5 Keep active statistics of student population library use

throughout the day.6.6 Update & develop the library firefly page regularly.6.7 Stay up to date with Destiny Library Server Computer

Program.