The Pro-Active Academic Librarian: The How and the Why - Illustrated by Case Studies from India and Canada

Abstract

The role of a librarian in the 21st century has changed considerably in keeping with the changes brought in by technological applications that are now fully entrenched in libraries, particularly in academic institutions all over the world. The very fact that technology allows the users to have direct access to the products of information has paradoxically made it all the more necessary for the librarian to reach out to the users in a proactive manner. In a global internet era, an ability to use a computer to get information is often readily learned at a young age. However, to be fully effective as a knowledge person, computer savvy has to be transformed into an ability to evaluate the information obtained within the context of a specific subject, and to use information sources effectively, efficiently and ethically – in essence, to be an information literate. An information literate person is one who uses information effectively in all its forms - one who would know when and what type of information to look for; how to search for information efficiently; and be able to access relevant sources and retrieve needed information. Using two Management libraries as case studies, one in the University of Manitoba in Canada, and the other in Indore Institute of Management in India, the paper examines the proactive role of subject librarians in technology-driven libraries, calling for new skills and competencies in order to work with four distinct groups of stakeholders – students, faculty, librarians, and administrators – to bring about curriculum-integrated information literacy programs. The paper identifies the steps involved in changing from a traditional reference librarian providing orientation and library tours and answering ready reference questions, to becoming a team player who partners with the professors involved in planning the curriculum and course content, and reaching out to the users in a proactive the manner by marketing information services. The paper further examines the role of the subject library’s homepage in serving as an effective teaching and learning tool with embedded information through blogs and lesson objects, thereby allowing technology to help the librarian in reaching out to the users proactively.