Managerial competencies for information professionals: an international perspective

The purpose of this paper is to find out whether and to what extent managerial skills are taught in Schools of Information globally, and whether these courses are sufficient preparation for management positions in information professions.

This is an exploratory research paper. Phase one included a literature review and a review of curricula in Schools of Information in 26 countries to see if management courses were given, as well as the type and number of courses. Phase two consisted semi‐structured interviews with 15 directors of information services in the international sector in the Geneva, Switzerland region.

The paper concludes that 73 per cent of the schools reviewed do offer management courses, although there is a wide variation between countries and schools. In the interviews it was found that 80 per cent of the directors learned their management skills on the job and 66 per cent in management development through their institutions. All interviewees said their academic courses, though relevant, were insufficient. They gave recommendations of which competencies were needed in curricula for information professionals.

Studies on management education have been done mostly in North American, ALA‐accredited information schools. The rest of the world needs to be researched and to find its voice. The paper is relevant to schools of information globally, as well as to information professionals in the field.