Dear all, Good to see Dr. IRN Goudar drawing our attention to LIS professional image and comments by other professionals. We all aspire to get great professional image and recognition. Are we getting what we are expecting? I thought of adding some points to the ongoing discussion... Image of any profession is based on what we have done in the past, present performance and hope for the future. LIS has no exception. I can become un-popular by saying this... we - as a profession - deserve the current image/perception/status. It's the result of what we are doing as a profession at large. I guess we all need an introspection... We may have few outstanding professionals in this country. And some of our libraries may be comparable to the best in the world. However, we all know that , our Public libraries are main/mass 'perception' creators of the LIS profession in the society, next comes to academic and last in the line are research, special and corporate libraries. This is in terms of reach, mass appeal and perception creation. Quite a few of us have fancy titles, some libraries have become information/knowledge centers. However, we need to think of re-positing of librarians and libraries at all levels. I read someone commenting... 'Libraries' and 'post offices' in this country have one common thing - both have great potential to serve ...but...taking too much of time to transform and change!...we are struggling to excel and transform as a profession. Some of my thoughts about driving this profession to next level are: 1. 'YOU' OWN THE LIS BRAND : Every LIS professional is a brand ambassador - be good, do good work and feel proud about LIS profession. Earn respect, and create a better perception at your work place, both as an individual and as a professional. And inspire others. 2. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS: Every association should have one objective as 'working towards creation of better professional image for LIS profession'. State Level associations to focus in states and ILA/IASLIC/IATLIS can aim at national level. Associations should form a 'Federation' and drive as a 'united team' to accomplish the goals at national level. 3. LIS SCHOOLS - DRIVE THE CHANGE: Need to demonstrate more ownership for the profession, Showcase success stories, drive collaborations, advise professional associations, government and public - BE A CHANGE AGENT We all have a responsibility to make this profession better both for us and also for the next generation. Best Regards, Anand Ananda T.Byrappa Global Leader, Whiteny Knowledge Center Six Sigma Black Belt GE John F Welch Technology Center 122, EPIP, Phase 2, Whitefield Road, Bangalore 560066, INDIA -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.