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Human Resource Aspect in Digital Library Era
Mrugesh R. Solanki1, Dr. Gita S. Patel2 1Research Scholar, Department Library and Information Science, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat 2Research Guide, Ex- Librarian R. G. Shah Science College,. Vasna, Ahmedabad Ex- Visiting Faculty, Department of Library and Information Science, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
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Abstract: Information Communication Technology abbreviated as ICT, is undergoing latest advancement. Library and information professionals need to adopt these changes by enhancing their skills and knowledge to meet the user’s needs. This can be possible by learning and implementing new ICT skills and knowledge through training & development, participating in conferences, seminar, workshop, self learning or any other medical of learning. Now the librarian in this digital era has to be proactive in implementing new tools and technological advancement in the library. This present article focuses the roles and functions of a librarian in this digital era, including information retrieval, navigation and browsing. This paper also summaries the skills, proficiencies, ability and competencies about professional and technological aspects that library professional staff should possess in order to meet the current and future needs of users. It will also help them to not only to survive in a rapidly changing technological environment but also enhance their professional and personal development. Keywords: Human Resource Development, Digital Library, Training and Development, Digital Competencies, Agencies of HRD, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
I. INTRODUCTION
Today we are living in information society which is driven by the modern ICT tools and techniques. The result of the information society has also affected library and information section and as result new concept such as electronic library, digital library, virtual library and library without walls, etc. has emerged. Now, the traditional libraries are replaced with e-libraries and library services are transformed to e-services. On the other hand the role of library professionals are also changing from traditional librarian to elibrarian, cybrarian, digital librarian, information processor, information manager & consultant, knowledge manger & consultant, etc. Libraries & information centers are well equipped with latest technology to provide the right information to right users in right form and on right time. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the information storage and retrieve activities in the libraries and information centers during the past few years. Two major components control the whole performance of library & information services i.e. document (print & non-print) and manpower (library professionals and end users). To cope with rapid changes of ICT, library and information professionals should have to equip themselves with latest ICT tools and technological advancement. Hence, it is it indeed a necessary to upgrade the skills of library staffs. Each and every organization/institution has to make plan and polices for training and development of library services such as on job training, orientation, education, Continuous Education Programme (CEP), motivation, awards & rewards etc. to enhance the knowledge & skills of the library staffs.
A. Digital Library: Meaning and Elements A digital library is a collection of documents, reading material, objects in a digital format. In other words it is networked collection of digital reading material and objects. Nevertheless, Smith (2001) defined a “digital library as an organized and focused collection of digital objects, including text, images, video and audio, with the methods of access and retrieval and for the selection, creation, organization, maintenance and sharing of collection” . Digital libraries can be defined as electronic libraries, virtual library. In electronic libraries uses can locate, access and retrieve information from remote place. Also from different geographically location can also access the contents of electronic library. Information Technology denotes a library in which holding are in machine readable form. In other words, it a properly organized set of links of information on the Internet that enables an end user to locate relevant information while accessing the internet or a web.
Following are some of the Common elements and important features which characterize digital libraries: 1) Digital library is comprises of many entities. 2) Digital library needs ICT to connect many entities. 3) Digital library is based on technology 4) Digital library are to be used by individuals working along. 5) Digital library are proving universal access of information and content to end user through digital and e-content platform. 6) Digital libraries are offering all service and products that traditional libraries offer.
B. Advantages of the Digital Library A digital library comprises a bundles of advantages for both library professionals as well end users. Digital library is not bonded to a particular building or a location but it is expanded all over the word through digital connections. The main advantage of digital library is that the user can get all required and relevant information/content in digital form on their screen with help of the Internet. 1) Digital library has no physical barriers 2) Content of digital library can be accessed from anywhere in the world. 3) Digital library is available round the clock. 4) Multiple users can access and retrieve the same information at the same time 5) No degradation in quality of content 6) Multiple duplication or copy of Original document can be copied to any number 7) Digital library contains huge amount of the information compare to tradition library 8) For a long term, the maintenance cost of digital library is lower comparing with a traditional library
C. Limitations of Digital Library 1) Electronic materials degrades promptly 2) Obsolete rate is higher in electronic materials 3) Digital library violates copyright Act 4) Its initial investment cost is very high. 5) As technology upgrades, data in digital format may become inaccessible. 6) End users need a device to access data if not physically present in the library
II. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
“Human Resource” or “manpower” is the most significant resource for the any nation. If it is not properly developed, it cannot be put to proper use. According to management guru Peter Drucker “The most valuable asset of a 21st century institution will be its knowledgeable workers and their productivity. In an organization staff development and staff training are parts of the bigger concept of human resource development (HRD)” . Human Resource Development (HRD), is a activity or a tool to improve the performance of the staff members of an organization/institution. With advent of ICT in libraries, HRD is considered to be the most important component in the library. Managerial and operative are the main functions of HRD. Operative functions include employment, development of employee, compensation to the staff, integration among staff and maintenance of personnel. It is the most powerful tool for any organization’s success. Training and development of staff is regarded as one of the most important and effective function of HRD. To provide best services to the users in this cutting edge, training and development is the main weapon, which will develop and enhance the skills and competencies and will make staff into a well-trained workforce. This skilled, well trained work force will provide efficient and effective services in modern library and Information centers. In addition, now a day libraries require staff with IT skills to perform a wide range of functions. The HRD concept was first introduced by Leonard Nadler in 1969 in a conference in US “He defined HRD as those learning experience which are organized, for a specific time, and designed to bring about the possibility of behavioral change”. T V Rao has described “HRD in organizational context as a process by which the employees of an organization are helped in a continuous way to acquire or sharpen capabilities required to perform various functions associated with their present or their expected future roles; developed their general capabilities as individuals, discover and exploit their own and inner potentials for their own and organizational developmental purposes; develop an organisational culture in which supervisor subordinates relationships; teamwork and collaboration among sub-units are strong and contribute to professional well being, motivation and pride of employees.”
