Competency perceptions of e-resource librarians in university libraries

The development of the library profession and the importance of specializing in e-resource librarianship along with technological changes are emphasized. Furthermore, the role, competencies, and significance of e-resource librarians are highlighted. The essential competencies that e-resource librarians need to possess, including technical skills, personal skills, and the ability to effectively manage electronic resources, are discussed. It is stated that specialization in a field that includes broader responsibilities such as e-resource management and the lifecycle of e-resources is required. The importance of keeping up with new technologies and being aware of industry trends is emphasized. This study includes unit supervisors working as e-resource librarians in a total of 208 higher education institutions in Turkey, including 129 state universities, 75 foundation universities, and 4 vocational school. Due to the lack of standardization or evaluation initiatives in the field of e-resource librarianship in Turkey and the need to assess the competency perception levels of e-resource librarians working in university libraries, it is important to contribute to professional training programs, provide solutions and recommendations. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the role and importance of e-resource librarians in university libraries in Turkey, raise awareness about essential competencies, evaluate the current situation, provide development recommendations, improve e-resource services in university libraries based on the findings, and contribute more effectively to users information access. In conclusion, the competency levels of e-resource librarians play an effective role in the efficient utilization of library resources, avoiding unnecessary expenditure of public resources, ensuring user satisfaction, and utilizing staff resources effectively.