No doubt librarians are teachers in schools, colleges and universities and scientists in research institutions

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

Embedded librarians - gatekeeper and gateway

Traditionally librarians responded to a user’s request by gathering (and sometimes repackaging) information from a range of sources.  Now, however, the trend is for librarians to work collaboratively with the user and to anticipate and meet their information and knowledge requirements.

An embedded librarian is responsive to the needs of the community they serve by opening up lots of opportunities for knowledge use. Muir and Heller-Ross (2010) see embedded librarians as going a step further than responsiveness—they anticipate, don’t wait to be asked, but rather use their close working relationships to identify needs and find solutions.

They act not only as keepers of knowledge but as gatekeepers, streamlining and directing the flow of knowledge.  They also provide channels and access to information sources and knowledge.  These types of roles are critically important in the learning community.

When we researched the subject of 'the librarian as gateway or gatekeeper' (Oyelude and Bamigbola 2012), we discovered that librarians are increasingly seen as both gatekeeper and gateway.  The embedded nature of library work in academic settings has given rise to new role titles: consulting librarian, digital librarian, personal librarian, roving librarian, virtual librarian – and others.

In Universities in Nigeria, faculty in different Departments and Units can interact online with library staff.  They are guided in the use of library databases, can ask questions in real time and also request research skill tutelage for their students. Personal interaction is possible because librarians are members of each Faculty’s Board – and in many cases they take on the role of Faculty Board Secretary.

I have worked in an embedded capacity in the University of Ibadan Library, as both Law Faculty Librarian and Faculty Librarian for Social Sciences.  Building on my personal experiences I conducted research to survey the role of embedded librarians at the University.

My findings revealed that the embedded librarian is still acting as gatekeeper for both students and Faculty, helping them to filter information they need. I also discovered that the embedded librarian has many ‘bosses’, including the University Librarian and the Head(s) of the academic unit in which the librarian is based.  Their activities include advising faculty on resources for students’ projects, assisting with general administration and providing support to students and providing information literacy training for both staff and students.

Future plans

The Ibadan Library plans to model itself along the lines of a few University libraries abroad.  The University of the West England, for example, teaches students a compulsory three-unit course on the use of the library. The course is occasionally audited by Faculty members.  This is an ideal situation as librarians must work closely with Faculty on a project which demonstrates their professional competence and their technological knowhow.

There are some challenges created by the current design of the University Curriculum. Librarians from the library (as distinct from faculty in the Library School) teach the Use of Library module in the Use of English course under the General Studies (GES) Programme. The library should ideally come up with an ICT-compliant Course that will have practical elements. More of the new mobile technologies like iPads, tablets, iPhones and androids need to be used in the course of liaising with faculty and students.

The embedded librarian in the techno-savvy academic environment has to brace up to many challenges the greatest of which is keeping ahead of emerging technologies and constantly having to envision new ways of satisfying their clientele.

Thanks to Information Today......

‘Technology not a threat to librarians’

Is the all-pervasiveness of technology a threat to public libraries? Though the internet penetration numbers in India would suggest that there isn’t reason to panic yet, librarians working at public libraries across the State feel they must do more to keep themselves and their professions relevant.

Many of them, who spoke with The Hindu on the sidelines of the sixth national seminar on “Save Libraries and Librarianship” organised by the Karnataka State Libraries Association, said that authorities must do more to step up on technology to keep libraries relevant and useful to the public at large. Some felt that even if funds are allocated for embracing digital technologies, or procuring digital licenses, it wouldn’t work without actually training librarians.

No threat

Speaking at the inaugural of the day-long seminar, M.V. Satyanarayana, CMD of Informatics India, said that libraries are an evolving organism and stake-holders must not view technology as a threat. He said that currently most big digital libraries are created and owned by publishers. “But worldwide, huge public libraries are also being digitised.” “There is a change in medium, of course. But I don’t think there is a threat to librarians. The foundation of librarianship is strong, and the fundamentals are irrespective of the medium in which the knowledge is being made available,” he said. M.M. Badni, director of the department of public libraries, said that while funding is an issue, the library cess collected should be utilised effectively.

The former Chief Additional Secretary Chiranjeev Singh believes that librarians will not be deserted, but that simply their roles will change.

“To keep up with that, there is a need for the state to give IT training to librarians and equip them, and the public libraries, with the latest. If you look at developed countries like the US or Germany, the public library system has only expanded and become all the more stronger and relevant.”

Upgrade technology

Rajendra Babu, general secretary of the association, said that there is a need to upscale technologies at libraries.

“Librarians need to be trained in order to be able to offer members much more than they can get online. Public libraries across the State are doing well, in smaller centres some are offering IAS coaching also. Such diversification is keeping these libraries relevant.”

The association gave awarded five people for their contributions to libraries on the occasion. They were S.L. Sangam, visiting professor, Indian Statistical Institute; Satish Kumar Hosamani, deputy director, Department of Public Libraries; Ramaraj Urs, university librarian RGUHS; M. Anke Gowda and Vishala B.L., selection grade librarians at the Mangalore University.

Link: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/technology-not-a-threat-to-librarians/article5361452.ece