The Sixteenth International Conference on Books, Publishing & Libraries

Abstract

Technological transformations in librarianship are drastically shifting the role of librarians. As a result of recent trends of the electronic environment, librarians are facing many challenges. Their responsibilities have become more exigent, dynamic and imperative in recent times. This changing environment provides so many opportunities for librarians involvement in an information-based society including electronic and multimedia publishing, Internet based-information services, global networking, web based digital resources, etc. The revolution in ICT has unleashed new vistas in information services with the Internet becoming the most dependable media of communication. These technological applications in libraries are changing the role of librarians and lead to the emergence of a new phase of librarianship. This electronic era is asking for qualified mediators with advanced search skills, abilities to identify best practices, and strategic planning future operations. This case study of Panjab University Library (PUL), highlights the major challenges imposed by the ICT on the management of user services and how PUL has reengineered these issues into opportunities.