It is important to state that Industry 5.0 ushers an era where machines interact with humans. Given this, information professionals face numerous challenges in acquiring the skills necessary to thrive in this era. These challenges can hinder their ability to stay relevant and effective in their roles. One of the primary challenges in acquiring new skills is the rapid pace of technological advancements. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics are evolving at an unprecedented rate. This constant evolution makes it difficult for information professionals to keep up with the latest developments and integrate them into their skill sets.

In addition, time constraints can be a major obstacle, as information professionals often juggle demanding work schedules and personal commitments. Finding the time to participate in courses, workshops, or self-study can be challenging, particularly for those in mid-career stages or those with familial responsibilities. More so, institutional support plays a crucial role in the skill development of information professionals. Unfortunately, not all organizations prioritize continuous learning and professional development. A lack of support from employers, in terms of funding, time allocation, and encouragement, could impede the ability of information professionals to pursue further education and training. Human nature often resists change, and this resistance can be a significant barrier to acquiring new skills. Information professionals who are accustomed to traditional ways of working may find it difficult to embrace new technologies and methodologies. This resistance can stem from a fear of the unknown, a lack of confidence in one’s ability to learn new skills or a perception that the current skills are sufficient.

Industry 5.0 emphasizes the collaboration between humans and machines. As such, information professionals are required to acquire a broad range of soft skills to become more relevant and effective in the 5.0 era. These skills go beyond technical proficiency, focusing on interpersonal abilities, ethical awareness, and adaptability. For clarity, some of the soft skills required will be explained in the subsequent paragraphs below:

• Effective communication is fundamental for information professionals who must convey complex information clearly and concisely. Verbal communication skills are crucial for interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and users, ensuring that information is accurately transmitted and understood. Written communication is equally important, as it involves creating reports, documentation, and digital content that must be precise and accessible. Active listening is a key component of communication that enables professionals to fully understand the needs and concerns of their patrons which is essential for providing tailored and effective services.
• Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. For information professionals, high EI facilitates better interactions with users and colleagues and eventually fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. Also, empathy, a critical aspect of EI, allows professionals to connect with users on a personal level, understanding their needs and providing more personalized and effective solutions. Self-awareness and self-regulation are also important as they help professionals manage stress and remain composed in challenging situations.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is another vital skill for information. Effective teamwork requires the ability to cooperate with others, share knowledge, and contribute to collective goals. This involves not only working well with team members but also understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives. Furthermore, conflict resolution skills are essential for managing and resolving disagreements constructively which ensures that collaborative efforts remain productive and focused.
• Industry 5.0 demands that information professionals should be highly adaptable and flexible. This means being open to new ideas, willing to learn new skills, and capable of adjusting to changing circumstances. Adaptability involves a proactive approach to continuous learning, and staying updated with the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Flexibility also includes the ability to pivot and modify strategies or workflows in response to new information or emerging challenges that ensure that services remain relevant and effective.
• Information professionals must possess strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address the complex issues that arise in the 5IR. Problem-solving involves identifying the root causes of problems, generating innovative solutions, and implementing them effectively. Critical thinking requires the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate different perspectives, and make informed decisions. These skills are crucial for managing the vast amounts of data and information that professionals handle to provide accurate and actionable insights.
• Interpersonal skills are essential for building and maintaining professional relationships. Networking abilities enable information professionals to connect with peers, mentors, and experts which facilitates knowledge exchange and professional growth. In addition, cultural competence is a critical component of interpersonal skills that involves an understanding and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and practices. This is particularly important in a globalized world where professionals often interact with individuals from various cultural contexts.
• Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for handling the diverse and often demanding responsibilities of information professionals. Prioritization involves identifying the most important tasks and focusing on them to ensure timely and efficient service delivery. Organizational skills help information professionals manage their workload, maintain accurate records, and streamline processes to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
• Leadership skills are important for information professionals who often take on roles that require guiding and mentoring others. This involves motivating and inspiring colleagues, setting a positive example, and driving initiatives that contribute to the organization’s goals.
• A strong customer service orientation is essential for information professionals who interact directly with users. This involves prioritizing the needs and experiences of users, providing responsive and helpful support, and ensuring that services meet or exceed user expectations. Patience and understanding are key traits that enable professionals to handle inquiries and issues with empathy and effectiveness.

Within the backdrop of Industry 5.0, there is a pressing demand for the cultivation of a new set of skills which is integral for an effective service delivery by professionals in the world of information. As previously emphasized, these skills encompass both technical proficiencies and soft skills that enable information professionals to work through the complexities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.  It appears that these skills are not only essential for individual success but also for driving the overall progress and sustainability of the information profession in this transformative era. For information professionals to thrive in their roles, in this disruptive era possessing certain soft skill sets is imperative. Soft skills refer to the non-technical, interpersonal abilities that enable individuals to effectively interact with others, work through their environment, and achieve their goals. These skills are often related to personal attributes, emotional intelligence, communication, and social interactions. Unlike hard skills, which are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets (like coding, mathematics, or machine operation), soft skills are more about how you work and relate to others. Consequently, information professionals need a robust set of soft skills to complement their technical abilities in the era of Industry 5.0 where human collaboration with advanced technologies is emphasized. These soft skills are crucial for fostering effective collaboration, ethical practice, and user-centred service delivery in the 5th industrial era.