Employment opportunities for graduates of library and information in the private sector in Egypt sections: an exploratory study

This paper aims to explore the jobs available to Library and information science graduates in private sector in Egypt, and identifying the professional and non-professional skills required to success in these jobs. Data were gathered via questioners sent to 117 graduates working in private sector in Egypt. The survey distributed during 28 April – 10 June 2013. A total of 49 (42%) respondents returned the questionnaire. The study showed that 59% of graduates are working in specialized jobs, while the rest are working in non-specialized jobs. The findings reveal that the graduates are working in three sectors: 37% of respondents are working in libraries and information science sector, 22% of respondents are working at companies that provide services for Libraries, while 41% of graduates are working in non-professional jobs. The graduates were dissatisfied with the professional skills. Respondents reported that searching search engines and data collection and analysis were the most important professional skills, while the most important non-professional skills were using Microsoft Office applications and using the email. The study provided many recommendations to Egyptian Library Association, library and information science departments, and library and information science undergraduates.