Future of Library and Information Service (LIS) Profession in India: Issues, Challenges and Strategies

摘要

Purpose :The main purpose of this paper is to examine the current national as well as international trends in the library and information science (LIS) sector and to project country specific as well as world wide future scenario enumerating the areas on which the professionals should develop certain skills and expertise. Design: It has been written in a discussion mode relying on anecdotal information as well as isolated facts and figures found in published literature. In the introductory part a brief background of the subject 'future studies' has been provided. It is followed by changes in technological practices that have taken place in libraries and their legal implications. Findings: An attempt has been made to identify a few functional 'extended' areas of academic, public and government libraries in which the young professionals should proactively intervene to remain relevant in a fast changing information and communication technology (ICT) dominated organisational climate. Value: It is expected that on the basis of the issues briefly discussed, LIS professionals can explore the possibility of developing a few new research topics for further investigation.