Library and information professionals as knowledge engagement specialists. Theories, competencies and current educational possibilities in accredited graduate programmes

Introduction. The role of library and information science professionals as knowledge facilitators is solidly grounded in the profession's theoretical foundations as much as connected with its social relevance. Knowledge science is presented in this paper as a convenient theoretical framework for this mission, and knowledge engagement services –knowledge brokering, knowledge readiness and knowledge promotionas an area that might serve to reframe and expand traditional services such as reference, information literacy and outreach and cultural programming. A key competency for knowledge engagement specialists is mastering instruction, aimed at the efficient fostering of innovation and the creation of new knowledge within organizations and society. The purpose of this paper is to analyse current supply of courses covering instructionalrelated competencies in accredited graduate programmes. Methods. Main professional competency standards and courses currently offered in accredited graduate programmes (United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia) are analysed. Results. Results suggest that although some relevant competencies have been included by professional associations in their competency standards for all types of information professionals, instructional competencies have not received much attention in graduate educational programmes other than in concentrations or tracks targeted at future school or academic librarians. Conclusion. It is concluded that further research on competencies and education for knowledge engagement is required in order to fully develop this role within the profession.