REBRANDING THE IMAGE OF LIBRARIANS AS INFOPRENEURS WITH TECHNICAL SKILLS IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES

Abstract

 In contemporary times, the role of librarians has evolved significantly due to the rapid advancements in information technology. Traditionally perceived as custodians of physical books and archives, librarians are now at the forefront of managing digital information and facilitating access to knowledge in innovative ways. This study aims to explore the rebranding of librarians as "infopreneurs" information professionals who possess a blend of technical, entrepreneurial, and information management skills. The research investigates how librarians are adapting to the modern information landscape and how they are perceived by both their peers and the broader public. A mixed-method approach was adopted to gather data, with a sample size of 150 participants. Of these, 120 responses were collected through a structured Google questionnaire, and 30 in-depth online interviews were conducted with librarians from various institutions. The questionnaire focused on the technical skills of librarians, their roles in the digital information ecosystem, and the extent to which they consider themselves infopreneurs. The online interviews provided a deeper understanding of the professional identity shifts occurring within the field, exploring personal experiences, challenges, and perceptions of librarianship as an evolving profession. The results of this study highlight the increasing importance of digital literacy, data management, and entrepreneurial thinking in the librarian profession. It also reveals that librarians are increasingly seen as key players in the digital information economy, with their expertise extending beyond traditional roles. The findings suggest that librarians' adaptability and acquisition of technical skills are essential in rebranding their image as infopreneurs who actively shape the future of information dissemination. This research provides valuable insights into how librarians can embrace technological advancements and entrepreneurial approaches to strengthen their professional identity and contribute to the evolving landscape of information management.