Dear Moderator The posting by Mr. Anil Singh has raised a very pertinent issue. Certainly, it is a matter of grave concern that the value and prestige of the library profession is getting gradually eroded by foisting of top executives belonging to other cadres. In the University set-up we have some Professors, even Associate Professors nominated as Prof-in-Charge Library whereas in the scientific organisations we have some Grade 'G' scientists as appointed as Office in-Charge Library. Moreover, generally these gentlemen have got no special training in ICT or acumen in information analysis and dissemination. The lack of faith in the abilities of professional librarians to manage the human resources or implement new technologies regarding information processing and dissemination judiciously may be a reason behind this hostile policy of the top management. But the answer to this vexing question has to be found out from within the library cadre itself. Library profession need entrants with better academic career as well as sound professional ethics. Our young librarians should be ready to learn managing the modern ICT based information products and get ready to offer services mostly in e-mode. Thanks On Sun, Mar 2, 2014 at 1:32 PM, Anil Singh <dr.anilsingh5@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Friends,
In few past years trend has been rising to appoint non-professional head/in-charge of libraries in-spite of having Group 'A' library professionals in the organization. Like Prof-in-charge, scientists-in-charge, officer-in-charge etc and this practice can be seen in universities, autonomous bodies, scientific & research organization or in any other institutions of national importance.
It has been seen that if the library is managed by Assistant Librarian (in the pay scale of PB3: 15600-39100 + AGP 6000) or by Deputy Librarian (in the pay scale of PB3: 15600-39100 + AGP 8000 or Rs.37,400 - 67,000 + AGP 9000) than there will be Prof-in-charge or Officer-in-charge who is non-professional to supervise these professional staff which is ridiculous. Even now in some institutions, Prof-in-charge has been appointed in-spite of having Librarian of PB4: 37,400 - 67,000 + AGP 10,000.
Let us have a look on the pay scales of civil administrative staff. SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) who is in the pay scale of PB3: 15600-39100 + GP 5400 is overall in-charge of whole Tehsil, whereas District Collector or DM whose pay scales are generally in between PB3: 15600-39100 + GP6600, GP 7600 or PB4: 37,400 - 67,000 + GP8700 (based on the length of service) is administrative head of whole district. Joint Secretaries in the Union Ministries are in the pay scale of 37,400 - 67,000 + GP10000 who plays an important role in policy making.
If these officers can work independently, than why not library professional which are getting more pay scales than these administrative staff? Such type of practice demoralises the library professionals and gives the message in society that library professional are inefficient in managing the library independently. It also underestimates the importance of Librarians.
Besides having a library committee and its Chairman to supervise and guidance, is there any relevance of non-professional in-charge in Libraries? Feedback and comments are welcome.
-- with regards,
Anil Singh Assistant Director (LS) Competition Commission of India (CCI) (Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India) 'B' Wing, HUDCO VISHALA, 14, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi - 110066
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