Re: [LIS-Forum] Lack of operational freedom in libraries

Dear Friends, In my opinion, there is problem with our approach to find solutions. (Please also read my previous mail along with this mail as reproduced below). Our tendency is more towards practice and immediate ad-hoc solutions rather than 'science' and long-term reusable solutions. It is high time we shift our approach from "experts-based" to "evidence-based". Whatever we do, should be based on evidence rather than on personal expertise. For that we have to re-visit again to a thing called "Library Statistics". To my utter dismay, I have heard (very senior) people saying that the term "science" in Library and Information Science should be replaced by "service". I wish, I could rename it "Library Engineering" - delivering service with a strong supporting science. --Sukhdev Singh, NIC. ------------------My Previous mail -------------------------------------------- The solution lies in two facets: 1. Transparency 2. Statistics Let us try to implement the "2. - Statistics" first. Computerized procedures are most desired for it. For each book, record who recommended it with what justification. Record and collate issue / return / use data of each book. Agree on a formula to commute the effectiveness of each recommendation and collective effectiveness for the recommender. Make this data available online in transparent manner. Give weightage to the person with higher effective recommendation index and -ve weightage to to those with lower index for future recommendations. It would then won't matter who is recommending; The best would always be ensured. --Sukhdev Singh, NIC. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Sat, Apr 12, 2008 at 9:45 AM, Prof. N. Laxman Rao. wrote:

helo while appreciating the statements of Ms Gayatri, i would like to request every one to take into consideation of ground realities.

1. most important responsibility is librarian. as many teachers and students r not aware of new books / documents. the librarians need to take more interest in identification of the new and useful books and bring to the notice of the teachrs and students. generally they approve it for purchase.

if this effort is succesful, indirectly we will be able to bring to their notice about new documents, and then in turn the usability increases.

2. there is general complaint about awareness of new documents. the library professionals use the listserv. and can we use this forum as a place for giving information to fellow librarians about the new and useful documents.it solves the problem of awareness about new publications.

3. we can find details of many publications and documents are found in these listserv, but hw many of the librarians are using the facility for procurement of the collection.

4. over all we need to change the culture in the libraries. we all are luking for ward to the young blood to bring the revolution in the library services, by using the technology.

5 today people comment tht we do only issue and return of the books, in spite of having so much knowledge on various topics learnt at the schools and outside.our complaint s tht we hav no resources or no staff. but there are some librarians , who are able to do wonders with in their resources.

6. i suggest tht the forum should hav a special focus on publicising gud publications, their price and edition. the professionals should give the details of both priced and free publications. it will help in qualititaive collection development.

7. iam not criticising any professionals but we hav to try to overcome the limitations to project our services and build the image of the profession, especially in the context of extensive use of technology.

laxman rao

gayathri sen wrote:

Dear friends,

I completely agree with the opinion of all three that is, Dr.Sahib, Shri.Rajashekaran and Shri. Koteshwara Rao 1. Collection development of a particular library has to take place by the participation of all stake holders concerned. ie., faculty, students and librarian.

2. An innovative and dynamic librarian with working experience in a big library is definately capable of making good selections. He can choose quality publishers and select only in areas of study at the institution keeping in mind institutional goals and aspirations provoided required freedom is given.

3. to add one copy of each book in relevant subject areas should not be withheld from the responsibilities of librarian. At least that much freedom he should be given.

Reason for poor collections of books in many institutions is, librarian does not have the authority to add, teachers do not have the time or interest.

It is the student who suffers to the maximum extent. Institution never progresses academically because of poor collection. Information when wanted is not available.

4. 50% of the budgeted amount can be utilised for faculty selection, 25% for student request and 25% for librarian's choice

5.The % can also change depending on institutions policy.

6. NBA, NAAC, AICTE, UGC etc from top level and the Library associations together has to ensure that proper freedom and working environments has to be provoded for librarians to acheive and proove themselves.

7. I have noticed that in most cases, it is due to lack of freedom and support that librarians cannot achieve. It may be automation, good collection development etc. etc.

8. I have also noticed many new comers to the profession, especially those who qualify through correspondence, do not have an idea of how a library should run.

9. Institutions, especially private managements want to hire people giving the least possible salaries. naturally, the quality of work force is equally bad. This creates a very bad impression about all librarians.

10. Not many from science background are taking up this profession and as my esteem collegue pointed out they just to not have idea about science or engineering subjects, either for book selection or classification.

Who will bell the cat is the question?(or how to solve this problem)

Regards, Gayathri Sen PESIT __________________________________________________

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