Information competence and the librarian as a mediator of the reading process in public libraries

Abstract

Information literacy (Information competence) is at the core of lifelong learning. Its concept conveys the need of having control over the increasing informational universe, covering three dimensions: knowledge, skills and attitudes. As mediators of reading, librarians should seek continuous learning and improvement of their qualifications and skills, engaging and collaborating with the growing demand noticed in various segments of society, such as school and public library. In his role as a socializing agent of information, the librarian will help in the learning process of individuals through various forms of media and readings, but also in their practices, helping the reader to achieve a greater level of complexity in the process of reading/writing and in the production of meaning. Reflecting on the role of the librarian as an educational agent and on public libraries as multicultural, plural facilities as well as a learning environment, become the basis of this transformation, showing that the public library is not a place of tight inventories, but rather a place of possibilities of transformation.