The presentation made during the INDEST Workshop & SIS 2008 Conference held at IIM Indore during 4-6 Dec 08.

1. EMPOWERING OF LIBRARY AND IFNORMATION PROFESSION IN THE DIGITAL ERA Prof. K. Padmini & N. Maddaiah Dept. of Library and Information Science S.V. University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

2. Introduction The challenge, ahead, is to maintain, nurture and optimize the resources of the libraries with the help of new technology. Hence, the information professionals of today, must be ready, emotionally, professionally and financially to accept and make good use of new technology. Obviously, this has to be achieved through many ways. All those sectors, like information schools, information systems, professional organizations, and governments, involved in this information environment must play an active and sincere role to face the fast approaching changes

3. EMPOWERING INFORMATION PROFESSION- AT A GLANCE LIS Schools Harmonization Standardization Restructuring Information Systems Continuing education Better working environment Professional Assn.s/Org.s Coordination Train the brains Networking Governments Financial assistance National policies Placement opportunities Sincere implementation Empowering Information Profession

4. Role of Library & Information Science (LIS) Schools Existing LIS courses already started giving a new orientation so that the trainees completing these courses are able to handle the IT applications effectively and efficiently. These LIS courses of today should ideally have an optimum blend of new and traditional techniques. More rigorous, pragmatic and effective courses should be developed to provide sufficient hands on experience on use of IT in LIS schools to develop manpower for the emerging digital library environment. The LIS schools in the country are evidently facing a great challenge. But unfortunately, many of them do not have necessary infrastructure facilities to meet this challenge, which is certainly very discouraging. Requirements Harmonization, standardization, and restructuring relating to intake, course module, and evaluation procedures. Inspiring teaching in LIS with competent faculty Well equipped IT labs with proper infrastructure facilities.

5. Role of Information systems To keep the employees away from tensions, stress and strain situations (resulting in obsolescence) the organization must plan to offer a continuous – life – long training for its employees by way of conducting in-service courses; workshops; seminars; and conferences. This enables the younger professionals to gain from the practical experience of older professionals and helps older professional to keep themselves abreast of latest developments in the field. Requirements Conducive working environment Continuing education for professional excellence Proper motivation for learning Incentives, appreciation, and encouragement to participate in training programmes Creating their own websites and networks.

11. THANK YOU