Data literacy in flux: Perspectives of community college librarians on evolving educational demands and library capacities

The current competitive job market emphasizes the need for broad data literacy skills, expecting students in higher education to be data literate. Community colleges are called upon to support students' data literacy, and community college libraries are expected to incorporate data literacy instruction across the curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 community college librarians to explore their perspectives regarding data literacy. Community college librarians recognize the significance of data literacy for their students' academic success and professional development. Some have integrated data literacy training into their current roles, while many still seek ways to enhance their readiness to offer support in this area. The study findings highlight the importance of identifying the roles and contributions of community college librarians in empowering and enhancing students' data literacy needs.