Dear Professionals and well wishers of Library System, It is essential to strengthen the University Library and Information System of the country. In this regard, UGC has the important role. I think the following aspects need mandatory regulations: 1. For the last 20 years UGC could not implement uniform terms for librarians with regard to pay, career advancement, retirement age, appointment, etc. 2. So, changing the designations is the only total solution. All research institutions having common designations as scientists, including for librarians. 3. The designations may be as follows: Lecturer & Asst. Librarian; Reader & Deputy Librarian; Professor and Librarian. In Agricultural Universities, it should be Asst.Professor& Asst. Librarian; Associate Professor & Deputy Librarian; and Professor & Librarian 4. As most of the professionals inducted to the UGC Scheme after several years of service in the lower cadres, it is very difficult for them to have 18 years experience as Asst. Librarian / college librarian or 13 years as Deputy Librarian to become eligible for the post of University Librarian. Hence, most of the efficient and dynamic professionals could not reach this post. 5. In Kerala and most of the states, lots of posts of university librarians are laying vacant. Neither universities nor the government taking steps to fill theses posts. Out of seven universities in Kerala, six are running without librarians. So, it is high time to take up the matter with UGC and the Governemnt. With regards, A.T. FRANCIS Kerala Agricultural University ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.