Dear LIS professional,

I have gone through your list of questions. I furnish below the details especially in the university setting, as it would be useful for many of our LIS friends.

1.What are the authorities and responsibilities of the Chairman, Library Committee and of a librarian?

The Chairman of the Library Committee does not have any authority as the committee is only a recommending body. It can recommend policy decisions, rules, regulations, or any decisions about the library say purchase of books, subscriptions of journals, etc. But, the administrative orders can be issued only by the Principal (if it is a college) or by the authorities of the University (by the Dean / Registrar, if it is a university).

2.Can the Chairman, Library Committee (One from faculty members) become the head of the librarian and library? To whom should the librarian report - Principal or Chairman, Library?3

It is up to the administration. But, normally the Chairman of the Library Committee cannot head the library while a Professional Librarian is available. But, unfortunately, some of the colleges appoint an academician (Professor) as the Head of the Library which is contrary to all ethics. It is not correct by all means.

It is an approved practice that the Librarian should report only to the Principal. In Tamil Nadu, the Government has abolished the practice of appointing a Professor as an intermediary officer between the Librarian and Principal as early as in 1980s. But, still some colleges follow the abolished procedures which is wrong.

3.Can the Chairman, Library Committee interfere in the day to day library activity?

The Chairman should not interfere in the day to day library activity and it is the Principal who is having the powers.

4.Who is the right persons for the post of Chairman. Library Committee - Principal or any faculty member?

If it is a College, then the Principal of the College should be the Chairman for the Library Committee. If it is a University, then the Registrar should be the Chairman of the University Library Committee. They should not allow others to chair the Library Committee.

5.Is it true that UGC has cancelled Professor-in-charge, Library? If yes, from where can I get the document for proof?

I don't have a clear information about this. If there is any such orders, I am also interested to get a copy of the same.

6.A person with 15 years experience is equired to clear the NET/SET examination or can they get relaxation on behalf of experience.

It is up to the administration. They can give a relaxation on special grounds.

7. If any book is lost by the reader and which is not available anywhere. How can I replace that book or how much cost can I recover against lost book from the readers. If the lost book is from multi volume set then what should I do.

Normally, the cost of the book along with some percentage of fine can be collected from the member who lost the book. In some universities, they charge 10% as centage in addition to the cost of the book lost. However, the Librarian is fully empowered to fix the fine amount if the book lost is rare and not available in the market.

The member may also be permitted to replace a new book (same edition or latest not old edition) without any fine.

If a book from the multi-volume is lost, normally the cost of the entire multi-volume along with fine should be collected. So, it is better not lending a single volume of multivolume books.

8.Can I issue any book for short period like 2 or 3 days, if number of copies is less and book is in demand?

Librarian is empowered to issue any book for specific purpose. He/she can even issue a reference book on overnight lending or for short period subject to necessity. Normally reference book can be issued to faculty/teacher rather than students.

Hope these meet your requirements.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,



Dr.G. Rathinasabapathy, Ph.D.
Deputy Librarian
Department of Library Science
Madras Veterinary College
Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal
Sciences University
Vepery, Chennai - 600 007

Tel: (Off)044-25388997
044-25381506 x 283,287
(Res)044-25611619
Email: grsaba@rediffmail.com
grspathy@gmail.com


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