Module Code: AIS3703
Question 1
I. Identify the attributes of a professional librarian
Winter (1988:xiii) describes the attributes model as the first systematic attempt to
formulate a theory of professions.
• Expertise
• Service Orientation
• Altruism
• Self-organisation
• Autonomy
• Ethical code
II. Discuss the examples the attributes of a professional librarian
A professional librarian possesses a range of attributes that contribute to their
effectiveness in managing library resources and providing quality services to patrons.
Here are some key attributes of a professional librarian:
• Expertise
Defined as a high level of knowledge or skill (Cambridge online ddictiona.com),
expertise refers to the profession of a theoretical knowledge base and practical skills
which appear in the most list of attributes. Expertise is acquired through education and
training; and by means of formal educational programmes in affiliation with a university
(Winter 1983:10). All disciplines, including library and information science, 22 are based
on an infrastructure of knowledge or theories. This infrastructure includes a system of
values which imposes a certain code of conduct on the practitioners.
Roberts and Konn (1991:3) regard expertise as the core of professionality. They point
out that expertise is not concerned only with the initial training, but also with sustained,
continued training or ongoing professional development. They further stress the
relationship between professional associations and expertise.
, • Service Orientation
Service orientation refers to a person’s attitude towards the work that is being done
(Bekker 1983:29). One of the characteristics of a professional attitude is a sense of
vocation, which is reflected in a professional’s commitment to his or her work. Bekker
(1976:17) believes that library work is one of the occupations in which a person’s sense
of commitment is very strongly revealed. The stronger a professional’s sense of
commitment, the less need there is for enforcing ethical and other dictates.
Service orientation means that a professional’s decision does not serve his or her own
purposes, but is based on the client’s needs. It is evident from the information above
that a practitioner’s definition of a client’s needs do not necessarily concur with what the
client requests. Service orientation implies that professionals should make real
sacrifices; that is, to equip themselves thoroughly for their task; provide service to
people who cannot pay for it; and even put their reputation at risk (Goode 1961:307–
308). Service orientation finally implies that the profession will spend time and money to
attract excellent candidates and provide first-rate training so that their members can
render the best possible service.
• Altruism
A profession can be distinguished from other occupations through the professional’s
orientation to service. Much emphasis is placed on individualism, since professionals
usually find themselves in one-on-one situations (as an individual) with a client who
needs guidance.
Professionals should not be motivated by personal interest, but rather by a desire to
produce optimum work. They should be unselfish and perform their daily tasks to serve
the interests of other people instead of their own. The more a person meets the
requirements of professionalism, the greater his or her altruism or selfless motivation
(Bekker 1976:24).
For example:
When driving next to schools must drive slowly when the kids are going home or
arriving to school because kids they just jump in the road without looking both sides as
they educated to look right and left twice before passing, they teach this to avoid
accidents or injuries because of safety and care.
• Self-Organisation
A profession’s organisational structure consists of professional associations,
professional schools, self-control (for example, the accreditation of educational
programmes and controlled admission to such facilities) and self-discipline (by means of
an ethical code) (Bekker 1976:24).
Question 1
I. Identify the attributes of a professional librarian
Winter (1988:xiii) describes the attributes model as the first systematic attempt to
formulate a theory of professions.
• Expertise
• Service Orientation
• Altruism
• Self-organisation
• Autonomy
• Ethical code
II. Discuss the examples the attributes of a professional librarian
A professional librarian possesses a range of attributes that contribute to their
effectiveness in managing library resources and providing quality services to patrons.
Here are some key attributes of a professional librarian:
• Expertise
Defined as a high level of knowledge or skill (Cambridge online ddictiona.com),
expertise refers to the profession of a theoretical knowledge base and practical skills
which appear in the most list of attributes. Expertise is acquired through education and
training; and by means of formal educational programmes in affiliation with a university
(Winter 1983:10). All disciplines, including library and information science, 22 are based
on an infrastructure of knowledge or theories. This infrastructure includes a system of
values which imposes a certain code of conduct on the practitioners.
Roberts and Konn (1991:3) regard expertise as the core of professionality. They point
out that expertise is not concerned only with the initial training, but also with sustained,
continued training or ongoing professional development. They further stress the
relationship between professional associations and expertise.
, • Service Orientation
Service orientation refers to a person’s attitude towards the work that is being done
(Bekker 1983:29). One of the characteristics of a professional attitude is a sense of
vocation, which is reflected in a professional’s commitment to his or her work. Bekker
(1976:17) believes that library work is one of the occupations in which a person’s sense
of commitment is very strongly revealed. The stronger a professional’s sense of
commitment, the less need there is for enforcing ethical and other dictates.
Service orientation means that a professional’s decision does not serve his or her own
purposes, but is based on the client’s needs. It is evident from the information above
that a practitioner’s definition of a client’s needs do not necessarily concur with what the
client requests. Service orientation implies that professionals should make real
sacrifices; that is, to equip themselves thoroughly for their task; provide service to
people who cannot pay for it; and even put their reputation at risk (Goode 1961:307–
308). Service orientation finally implies that the profession will spend time and money to
attract excellent candidates and provide first-rate training so that their members can
render the best possible service.
• Altruism
A profession can be distinguished from other occupations through the professional’s
orientation to service. Much emphasis is placed on individualism, since professionals
usually find themselves in one-on-one situations (as an individual) with a client who
needs guidance.
Professionals should not be motivated by personal interest, but rather by a desire to
produce optimum work. They should be unselfish and perform their daily tasks to serve
the interests of other people instead of their own. The more a person meets the
requirements of professionalism, the greater his or her altruism or selfless motivation
(Bekker 1976:24).
For example:
When driving next to schools must drive slowly when the kids are going home or
arriving to school because kids they just jump in the road without looking both sides as
they educated to look right and left twice before passing, they teach this to avoid
accidents or injuries because of safety and care.
• Self-Organisation
A profession’s organisational structure consists of professional associations,
professional schools, self-control (for example, the accreditation of educational
programmes and controlled admission to such facilities) and self-discipline (by means of
an ethical code) (Bekker 1976:24).
