Survival Strategies for Libraries and Librarianship in the Digital Environment

摘要

Purpose: The article tries to explores the reasons for the declining use of all types of libraries and to examine the efforts made at different libraries to overcome the situation. Taking cognizance of the overall scenario, the paper aims to suggest the ways and means that can be adopted by the libraries and library and information professionals to survive and excel in the changing environment. Approach : The presentation is based on the review of literature related to the strategies adopted by libraries to tide over the adverse situation and the proactive approach to be adopted by the professionals Findings : The major developments that compel the libraries to transform are the changes in the information landscape, new technologies, changes in the social interaction, and changes in the services and use context. The commons methods that can be adopted by libraries for overcoming the threat posed by other agencies are: growing need for academic skills training, user involvement in the redesign process, re-skilling of the staff, change in the mindset, change in the hierarchical structure, thrust on information literacy, right approach to changes, increasing the accessibility of research content, rethinking library spaces to foster more hands-on activities, makerspaces, creation of a basic mobile website, virtual referencing and smart information professionals. The essential skills required for the information professionals to be smart include Communication, Content curation, In-depth research and analytics, Expertise in quality indicators, Proficiency in Altmetrics and Digital preservation, Ability to cope up with the mobile environment, and Collaboration and facilitation. Originality: The paper is a comprehensive survey of the survival strategies adopted by libraries at the global level and brings together the suggestions made by authorities who have made special studies on the topic.