Page 11 - DLIS102_LIBRARY_AND_ITS_USERS

Library and its Users

Notes The Golden Age

Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, libraries surged in popularity. They grew as universities developed
and as national, state-supported collections began to appear. Many of these became national libraries.
The ready availability of information on the Internet, and its widespread use, really presents Librarians
with an opportunity, not a threat. Technology Savvy users realize they need help, which Librarians
can provide. Librarians now face difficulties and complicity challenges due to new trends in
information access.
In the present technological Internet era the professionals have to change themselves as the
information profession is being changed. Now information specialists have to work as e-information
resources in which various professional groups are expected to map strategies that lead to produce,
manage, maintain and service the information. Information professional has to work as:
Librarian: In addition to being library manager, they also act as collection development, technical
processors and so on, taking care of information quality.
Information Manager: To meet information need of the user they should know how to manage and
deliver appropriate information services.
Information adviser/instructor: Ensure that user/staff know how to access relevant sources of
information (literacy).
System and Networking: For delivery of information to their users in an appropriate manner develop
and design appropriate systems.

Skills, knowledge, Competencies required for LIS Professionals

The basic goal of library and information profession has always been to provide access to information
to those who need it. The activities realizing this goal have evolved and transformed over the years.
This includes-Available technology, and need of an evolving information society. Information activities
have been guided by the developments in the field of storages, presentation and archiving of
knowledge, collection development and organization of knowledge, information explosion and
computers in information retrieval. Librarian and information professional involved in information
gathering, storage, retrieval and dissemination on one hand and on the other hand the computer
specialists who supports the library and informational professionals in this endeavor. For successful
implementation of Digital Library, it is essential that LIS professionals are well trained and possess
requisite knowledge and skills in this respect.
(I) Knowledge and Skills
Librarians need to know understand:
Knowledge resources (books, journals, i.e., resources, Internet)
Teleological facilities and resources (computer, online catalogues, websites, LANs file servers
etc.)
Financial resources (Budget) Human resources (Skills for manpower training).
(II) Competencies that required possessing in LIS professional
Acceptance of change.
Knowledge of user interaction with knowledge resources.
Provide quality service.
Be adoptive, flexible and resistant.
Be resourceful

6 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY