READIT-2007 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

high quality information and by networking people and their ideas together using the
technological infrastructure. The emphasis will shift from technical skills in the library to
communication, facilitation, training and management skills (e.g. strategic and marketing
management).
4. THE LIBRARIANS OF FUTURE
The transformation from librarian to knowledge manager is clearly underway;
however, a deeper look at the direction that the Internet is taking research reveals the
possibility of more far-reaching changes. As many business processes move to the
Internet, the use of information will become integrated with the systems and services. In
this environment, information as a distinct function or resource may no longer exist. To
adjust to these more far-reaching changes, information professionals must search beyond
current bounds (e.g. librarian, information, knowledge management) and think in terms
of benefits to their organizations. Right now, information can be used to enhance
competitiveness and productivity. If information is to be seamlessly integrated with
transaction processes, then someone must scope out work-related behaviors to ensure that
it is done in the most efficient and effective manner. And, if equal information and
technology is available to everyone, then competition rests on the ability to interpret and
apply these tools. Clearly the impending shift to knowledge management (and beyond)
represents an exciting change for library and information professionals. However, it's an
opportunity that requires a great deal of preparation, and a new way of thinking.
5. CONCLUSION
Thus, the role of the librarian is evolving to network specialist, information
broker, systems designer and knowledge manager to mention only a few directions. In
essence, an overall intensification of specialization both in the technological aspects of
library and information services, as well as stronger subject-oriented competencies and
evaluative abilities are being demanded from the information professionals and should be
taken into consideration both in the training and education of professionals as well as in
in-service continuing education to meet the changing technological demands at the
organization.
REFERENCES
1. Wendy Jordan and Victoria Ward. The Role of the Librarian in a Knowledge Society,
The proceedings of a lecture/workshop at Sultan Qaboos University, 19 February 2001.
2. Diann Rusch-Feja, New Roles for Librarians in Supporting Researchers in the Social
Sciences: The Impact of New Technology, 62nd IFLA General Conference - Conference
Proceedings - August 25-31, 1996.
3. Olivia Crosby. Librarians: Information experts in the information age. Occupational
Outlook Quarterly, 2000-01.
4. Beyond ‘Library 2.0 and “Library 2.0”’ URL:
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