Information literacy of librarians acting in engineering companies

Abstract

The information literacy required for the librarian’s performance in engineering companies is the focus of this study, which was carried out in the technical documentation sector from an institution of this very industry, in the center of Rio de Janeiro city. It is a case study with qualitative approach of collected data and it can be characterized as a descriptive and exploratory bibliographic research. The research instrument was a semi-structured script used to guide interviews with twenty female librarians of the mentioned institution. The study shown profile changes at the librarian through the insertion of information technologies and communication methods in professional activities plus new ways to develop the ability to access and use the information to meet the working demands. It also showed the most quoted skills according to all the interviewed as the three main professional competencies: the knowledge and handling of the tools and technologies, research expertise and the awareness of the documental typology. It was clear that the interviewed librarians develop their work applying the above competencies, as well, it became evident that they are constantly learning by sharing each other experiences and qualifications to manage the specific tools inside the organizations, enriching the workplace.