How libraries are helping students gain skills for career success
By leveraging resources such as O'Reilly for Higher Education, libraries can help students navigate a dynamic job market and stay ahead in their future careers
By Nevena Zorova, Senior Product Marketing Manager
The world of education and skills development is experiencing a seismic shift, driven by globalization and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 draws insights from over 800 companies globally and highlights a paradigm shift in the skills demanded by the evolving job market, emphasizing analytical thinking, technological literacy, and emotional intelligence. As we step into the era of the fourth industrial revolution, libraries are emerging as crucial players in shaping the future workforce and guiding learners through an ever-changing work landscape.
Digital Literacy Beyond STEM: Future Skills and Competencies
In a culture dominated by technical advancements, digital literacy extends beyond the familiar realms of STEM to a mind-boggling array of new acronyms. The rise of SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics, and Cloud) signifies a new era where being digitally literate is essential for understanding artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data science.
While machines excel in calculations, humans are irreplaceable in subjective aspects, underlining the need for individuals who can interpret and communicate the significance of data. According to Bernard Marr's "Future Skills: The 20 Skills and Competencies Everyone Needs to Succeed in a Digital World," (Wiley, 2022; available on the O’Reilly learning platform) skills such as adaptability, resilience, emotional intelligence (EQ), collaboration and having a mindset of lifelong learning are deemed essential for success in the digital era.
The Role of Libraries in Shaping a Human-Centric Future
Libraries are stepping into the spotlight as key players in preparing individuals for the future of work. They are leading digital transformation on campus, reimagining both physical and digital spaces to empower interdisciplinary and multiprofessional research and learning. Libraries often transcend their traditional role as repositories of knowledge to become vibrant centers for learning, partnering with Career Services, employers, and educational institutions to chart pathways for users towards future careers. Moreover, libraries often spearhead innovation initiatives, motivating their users and communities to embrace change and navigate the shifting job market.
Nurturing Future-Proof Skills with Essential Educational Resources
The future is not fixed; it is an opportunity waiting to be shaped, and libraries are well-positioned to be key players in this transformative journey. By embracing their role as facilitators of learning, innovation, and community engagement, libraries can significantly contribute to shaping a future where individuals are equipped with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the dynamic job market. Educational resources like O’Reilly for Higher Education and O’Reilly for Public Libraries (exclusively available to academic and public libraries via ProQuest, part of Clarivate) can help libraries and their users capitalize on the opportunities of the new economy.
With resources like books, audio books, videos and expert playlists from top academic publishers and leading authors in the fields of business and technology, the O'Reilly platform offers a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem and can support users of all levels and learning styles. In a recent review, The Charleston Advisor rated O’Reilly for Higher Education 4.33 out of 5 and called it ‘an excellent choice for supporting higher education students and faculty in their technology learning and research.’
O'Reilly empowers learners to develop business acumen and master key technologies, setting them apart in the competitive workforce. As libraries embrace their transformative role, O'Reilly for Higher Education becomes an invaluable resource, nurturing future-proof skills for individuals on their educational journey.
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