Identifying the Job Titles and Competencies of the Public Library Librarians Based on the Content Analysis of Job Advertisements

Objective: This study aims to identify and determine the job titles and professional competencies of the publiclibrary librarians.Method:Adopting a descriptive approach, the study employed the content analysis and the Delphi method involving expert opinions. The research population included job advertisements for public library positions on prominentglobal employment websites, as well as experts in the field of public libraries in Iran. Data collection tools included achecklist and coding in MAXQDA software for content analysis and questionnaires for the Delphi panels.Results: Based on the content analysis of job advertisements, public library job titles worldwide were categorizedinto four groups, including management and administrative roles, public services, technical services, and technologyrelated roles, with 54 items. Subsequently, new and contextually relevant job titles for the context of Iran were identified in consultation with experts, leading to four categories and 35 items. Additionally, 81 job competencies wereextracted for the public library librarians, organized into six categories: customer and social services, marketing andpromotion, education and reading promotion, library-specific expertise, management and planning, and technical andtechnological skills.Conclusions: This study analyzed the job titles and competencies required for the librarians working in the publiclibraries in the Iranian context, being informed by global experiences. The findings reveal the significant diversity andappeal of public library activities worldwide and highlight the potential for Iranian public libraries to expand their jobtitles and competencies. These results can assist policymakers and public library managers in redefining new rolesand competencies and may