Page 57 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Information Sources and Services

Notes Traditional Library: Libraries are where the access points such as, library catalogues as well as
library collections are print based and their management is by and large manual.
Automated Library: A library where access points and housekeeping operations are computerised
is called an automated library. The graphic records are still print-on-paper publication.
Electronic Library – Digital Library: The access point as well as the graphic records are in
electronic/digital form when these electronic/digital libraries are connected via various
networks, particularly the Internet, this is called virtual library. Digital library is not only
digitization of physical resources, but also thoughtful organisation of electronic collection for
better access. Such organisation provides coherence to a massive amount of shared knowledge
base while the method of access provides convenient information retrieval for a wide range of
global user. Essentially a digital library deals with organisation and access of a large information
repository. In all probability, digital libraries are likely to augment traditional libraries, such as
an on-line card catalogue augments, rather than strictly replacing, a book collection. The reason
for this could be than the digital medium tends to be better for searching and the physical
medium better for reading.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
10. Some patrons will call the library for assistance instead of visiting.

11. The location and provision of information services has not changed at all the last ten
years.

3.7 Duties of a Reference Librarian

The American Library Association’s (ALA) Reference and User Services Association note that a
research librarian’s job is to assist users in finding information (www.ala.org). The ALA describes
a research librarian’s duty as organizing reference materials in a system that is easy to access. In
addition to providing direct service to patrons, a reference librarian’s duties include staying up-
to-date on the different types of references available.
Specific duties vary depending on the size and type of library. Olivia Crosby described librarians
as “Information experts in the information age”. Most librarians spend their time working in
one of the following areas of a library:
Archivists can be specialized librarians who deal with archival materials, such as
manuscripts, documents and records, though this varies from country to country, and
there are other routes to the archival profession.

Collections development librarians monitor the selection of books and electronic
resources. Large libraries often use approval plans, which involve the librarian for a
specific subject creating a profile that allows publishers to send relevant books to the
library without any additional vetting. Librarians can then see those books when they
arrive and decide if they will become part of the collection or not. All collections librarians
also have a certain amount of funding to allow them to purchase books and materials that
don’t arrive via approval.

Electronic resources librarians manage the databases that libraries license from third-
party vendors. School librarians work in school libraries and perform duties as teachers,
information technology specialists, and advocates for literacy. Instruction librarians teach
information literacy skills in face-to-face classes and/or through the creation of online

52 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY