READIT-2007 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

knowledge process, optimal utilization of resources, performance evaluation and
enhancement of performance of team members etc. (Das, Kshirod et al 2006).
iv) Leadership Skills
Leadership is a process of influencing and supporting others to work
enthusiastically towards achieving objectivities of organization. Integration of
advanced technology, multidisciplinary research and complex user information needs
of institutions of higher learning demand that libraries provide cutting edge
information support to them. Hence, Libraries are employing large number of persons
with different skill sets. These employees create an efficient knowledge environment
conducive for research. Managing a huge library and resource centre with all its
complexities require librarians with good leadership skills. Some of the essential
leadership skills are intelligence, self confidence, tact and diplomacy, will power &
flexibility, excellent human relations, judgment, integrity etc.
v) Information Skills
With information being made available in several formats, retrieving
information has become a tedious task. This difficulty is compounded by the
availability of too much of information. In this scenario, it is necessary for Librarians
to have mastery over tools & techniques, strategies, engines and technologies related
to information search process. They must develop ability to evaluate information and
select and disseminate the most suitable information according to users needs.
vi) Communication Skills
In this knowledge environment, Librarian is the facilitator of access between
knowledge and the user. No matter how much professional competence a librarian
has, he will fail to deliver and satisfy users if he lacks communication and
presentation skills. The information professional will command respect and
acceptance among users only through the strength of his communication skills. It is
directly proportional factor. Librarians needs to be as emphatic listener to user
demands and needs. He needs to communicate the importance and usefulness of
information services to the users. Librarian also needs to have a trusted
communication with team members to achieve organizational goods.
5. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR KM: TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
AVENUES IN LIS
Libraries, just like businesses, need to focus on building their capacity if they
want to maximize their effect on the research and development community. LIS
professionals need to dedicate themselves to raising capacity building to the same
level of importance as that of their organization’s critical functions. There are some
libraries like University of Hyderabad, IIT Madras, ISB Hyderabad, etc which have
achieved capacity building to the maximum level. What propelled these libraries to
new levels of effectiveness was not any single initiative, but rather a deliberate
programme to enhance its capabilities at all levels, from its strategy to its systems and
structure.
Capacity Building of the whole organization (Libraries) certainly makes for an
interesting topic. However, it is a vast and complex topic which needs to be
deliberated in a comprehensive manner. So, this article is limited to studying the
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