Innovative services and practices in academic libraries

Abstract

Libraries support the parent institution's teaching, learning, and research programs irrespective of its nature being academic or corporate or Research and Development setup. Due to the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), there has been a paradigm shift in the library services and the roles of information professionals. Librarians' role has been changed from information provider to facilitator of information, transition from print to electronic media, users have become ‘Active Users’ than ‘Passive Users’. Emphasis in the libraries has been on ‘access’ instead of ‘acquisition’, ‘team work’ rather than ‘individual contribution’, solitary environment to networked environment. Hence, the present study attempts to highlight the current developments in academic libraries in order to tune with the changing information industry and requirements of the user community. The expertise and skills needed by the Librarians also calls for continuous updation of skills to possess expertise and skills to work in the complex, multifaceted and modern digital library. The author attempts to share his experiences and implementation at Virtual Learning Resource Centre and Digital Library, Gulbarga University, Karnataka and highlights some innovative practices and services that can be rendered in the academic libraries for better visibility and sustenance of professional excellence.