Dear Library Professionals,
Let me reiterate my views on librarians.
No doubt librarians are teachers in schools, colleges and universities and scientists in research institutions. They should teach students as well as teachers and do research along with other scientists. Then only students and teachers can do quality education and research. Indirect teaching of all related subjects though libraries is the main task of the libraries and librarians. To effectively do the academic process of teaching, learning and research, it requires class room teaching also by the librarians.
All agricultural universities in India is handling a course, named: Library and Information Service (0+1 Credit) for their PG and PhD courses from about 40 years back as insisted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR, the regulatory body in agriculture similar to UGC in other subjects).
Central, Navodhaya and CBSE Schools are best example that their librarians are teachers and now they are planning to re-designate the librarians as TGT/PGT. All Govt. of India and Govt.of Kerala research institutions designated librarians as teachers/scientists. Unfortunately, many authorities in India also in Kerala are trying to de-link teaching/research from libraries. This is an anti-social move to be curbed at any cost. We have the primary responsibility to educate the political and administrative authorities about the important role to be played by libraries and librarians. Otherwise the national investment on education and research will be in futile.Special thanks to
Dr. A.T. FRANCIS
