Professional Training of Library Professionals in the Digital Era: A Systematic Review
Author(s): Galapure Yamini P & Dr Jyoti Bhabal
Abstract: The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the roles and responsibilities of library professionals, necessitating continuous and structured professional training. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature published between 2017 and 2024 on training programs for library professionals, focusing on training types, delivery modes, skill areas addressed, challenges, and emerging trends. Following a PRISMA-style review approach, 40 peer-reviewed studies were selected from major databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald Insight, and Google Scholar. The findings reveal a growing emphasis on ICT competencies, research data management, instructional skills, and leadership development, supported by an increasing shift toward online and blended training models. However, persistent challenges such as limited institutional support, funding constraints, workload pressures, and rapid technological change continue to affect training effectiveness. The review underscores the need for outcome-oriented, accessible, and competency-based training frameworks to enhance the professional capacity of library professionals in the digital era.
Keywords - Library professionals; Training programs; Digital competencies; Professional development; Systematic review.
DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.26761/ijrls.12.1.2026.2057
Cite This Article As: Yamini P.G. & Bhabal, J. (2026) Professional Training of Library Professionals in the Digital Era: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Research in Library Science (IJRLS), 12(1) 273-280. www.ijrls.in
Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retains the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.
Paper ID: IJRLS-2057 Page: 273-280 Publication Date: 16 March 2026