Required skills for children and youth librarians in the digital age

We are living in a world that is changing rapidly due to the technological revolution and, as such, both libraries and librarians seem to be struggling to maintain their traditional roles. It is essential to respond to and integrate this new technology into library services, while maintaining the traditional role of librarians. In an age where knowledge and information are delivered in a fast paced mode, it is essential to re-evaluate the core competencies for librarians serving children and young adults. This paper presents a literature review of the key skills required for librarians in a digital era; and the ALA competencies of librarians working with children and young adults. The paper also presents the feedback of nine librarians, working at the children and young adult libraries at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, on a survey that listed the essential skills required for them to serve their users in the best possible way. The skills were divided according to the age group and nine librarians responded to the survey by checking the skills they viewed as essential for a children or young adult librarian. Finally, it presents a list of skills and competencies essential to our roles in providing access to information in a fast-changing digital age.