Dr Lata Suresh: A Multifaceted Librarian

Dr Lata Suresh: A Multifaceted Librarian 

Interviewer: Dr Preeti Sharda

Dr Lata Suresh is the Head of Knowledge Resource Centre with a professional experience of more than 25 years in her portfolio. Dr Lata Suresh is PhD from University of Pune, MBA, MPhil, MLISc, M.A (Sociology), and did her Advanced Diploma in IT and E-Commerce Technology. She is responsible for overall management of KRC, like administration, budgeting, developing the KRC tools and techniques, Programmes, coordination in all phases of day-to-day operations, training, supervising, evaluating the services, effective and efficient functioning of the KRC systems, extensive interaction with all departments and Schools with creative leadership, vision, and direction. She has represented in all professional activities, internationally, nationally, regionally and locally. She has also integrated advances in information technology to support the academic Programmes of the institutes she worked with. She has created, trained and developed E-Library Portals using Open Source software. She is selected as Influencer among 100 women faces  during the launch of womenenovator 2019 during the programme held at PHD Chamber of Commerce, New delhi.

Dr Lata Suresh has an amazing ability to move forward and lead her team on all kind of situations that too with a smile on her face. She is an avid reader and this is one of the best qualities one can possess. Dr Lata is capable of creating networks and long-lasting relationships, which are very essential in today's business environments. She has an exceptional ability to develop, structure and present technical concepts in a very pedagogical and interesting fashion. She possesses remarkable qualities of decision making and leadership and seeks the best ways to optimize the educational opportunities that are given to her. A very good researcher, highly adaptable to very different contexts, she constantly strives to be a true actor of her education and to enhance her qualities as a professional. She is a valuable individual to any organization and I wholeheartedly endorse her in whatever she endeavours.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Native of Andhra Pradesh, born and brought up in Jaipur, the Pink City. Please “Walk me through your background”.

Dr Lata Suresh: My great grandparents were from South India and they gradually settled in Rajasthan. My father did his schooling from Ajmer, Rajasthan and graduation from Maharaja College, Jaipur. I was born and brought up in Jaipur. I did my schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya & graduation and post-graduation from Rajasthan University. After my graduation, I started working with Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital, Jaipur in 1993 and continued working in Jaipur till 2001. Before joining my current position, I also worked as Manager-Library at IIHMR University till 2011, where I developed LMS and Institutional Repository using open source software GSDL. That was the time when I learnt about doing Research, writing technical papers, application of open source software etc. I have learned the maximum from my co colleagues at IIHMR and I am really thankful to them.  I closely worked as Asst Editor for “Journal of Health Management” a Sage publication with late Prof Udai Pareek who is also known as the father of HRD in India. Since 2011 I am working at IICA an Institute under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs at Manesar, Gurugram.

PS: In your interview with Doordarshan you said that working at Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital (SDMH), Jaipur for a temporary job took away your career from an administrative officer to a librarian. What were the main reasons for such a transformation? 

LS: After completion of my graduation I was preparing to appear for competitive exams. I was also learning typing and computers also. One morning my mother, who was working as an administrative officer at SDMH, asked me if I was interested in a part-time administrative position at SDMH. I accepted and submitted my resume. After going through a written test and interview I got selected. After some time, I was asked to look after the library also. To be very honest like a layman, I was also under the impression that a librarian’s job is just to issue and return the books, hence I accepted. In due course of time, my part-time job was converted into a full-time job. This was the turning point of my professional life. I came to know that Library Science is one of the faculty and many Universities are offering degree courses in this subject. However, the more I worked, the more it made sense. I started doing BLIS course from IGNOU through correspondence as I was engrossed in completing my MA in Sociology and taking computers and singing classes. In addition to attending PCP classes regularly, I also took special tuitions to prepare for BLIS which gave me a good foundation sound theoretical background. My mentors guided me in all the aspects of Library Science and that is how I got acquainted with this profession. During this period, I attended a few seminars also in the field of LIS. In my writing skills were also improved while working in the hospital library. I got acquainted with Internet surfing also. 

I feel blessed for this opportunity because during my tenure at SDMH I got an opportunity to work with some of the renowned doctors of India. In due course of time, I learnt MEDLINE and I used to do searches for the doctors who used to come to the library for research. These doctors considered me as a very young colleague and helped me to understand the new medical terms. My other colleagues would often ask that how I was so comfortable with such senior doctors and I used to tell them that when they come for my assistance, I am their doctor as they need my help to get access to the required information (just a joke). Helping others be a colleague, friend or relative has always motivated me the most. There are times when people around you need some help and I relish this kind of opportunities. It boosts my confidence and belief that I could be of some help. This motivation has transformed me and my journey as a librarian started. I would like to quote an incident here that once one of a nursing student asked my mother “Are you the mother of Lata mam”. My mom was so surprised that her daughter was being recognised for her work in such a short period of time. She used to narrate this incident to everyone that what she was not able to do in 30 years of her service at SDMH, Lata has done it in less than 3 years.  

PS: You received the Best Singer Award in 1989 during your school days and also received a scholarship in vocal music during college days consecutively for 3 years. Did you have any professional training in vocal singing? Why didn’t you peruse your career in vocal singing?

LS: Yes, I opted for Music as a subject during my graduation. I started singing during my schooling. I also got the Best Singer award apart from other prizes in my School. In the residential colony where we used to reside every Saturday, children used to take part in some sort of Cultural activities. During my childhood days, I use to perform on stage. I got training for music from Smt Ruby Chatterjee and Sh Rajeev Bhatt, (Nephew of Padma Shri Pd Vishwa Mohan Bhatt). At my workplace also I took charge of managing cultural and educational events.  Actually, music and writing are in my genes. My father who is a great fan of Mukesh used to sing a lot during his college days. He used to write Shayari also with his pen name was “Dard Ajmeri”. My brother (Additional Director, Forensic Science) also a writer (pen name Dr Venkatesh “Nazar”), not only writes short stories, horror stories, Ghazals and Geet but also sings, play the guitar and other instruments also. My cousin (elder sister), used to play the instrument “Sitar” (she retired as Prof and HOD Physics, Rajasthan University). Advancement in this career and making money and performing in front of the crowd is not very easy. You have to be very lucky or extremely talented for this profession. You need a good riyaaz /practice to reach the heights. I am really happy with what I am doing now. I have both the worlds now-I perform and keep my interest alive.

PS: You almost left your vocal singing after your college. After your marriage, you started it again and now a day you are performing live shows also. Why you left vocal singing and how you stated again.

LS: As I said, I never left my singing. Whenever I got an opportunity I use to perform but not in a professional way. Music /Singing is my passion since childhood. After my marriage, I started accompanying my husband during his programmes. I used to manage the stage setting, the list of songs to be sung in an event, the accompanist’s and their sitting arrangements on the stage etc. In one such programme, one of my friends forced me to sing and my husband encouraged me to do so. Thus I started my singing again and I perform with him.

PS: You have 25+ years of work experience in different types of libraries in the various area of Library science. How will you describe your journey?

LS: I would say it's a wonderful journey. Summing up in a para would not justify my journey... anyway will try my best. For me, being a librarian has never been about the books and publications only –it's was about the people! I enjoy connecting people for information. Information is the key to lifelong learning. Libraries are open to all. In my library, I had never stooped any non-member to enter. I am extremely thankful to my professional friends as whenever any kind of help or assistance required they helped/assisted me. As I mentioned I “could not imagine doing anything else.” It still holds true for me today. I like what I do and I haven’t looked back. Each day is something new and I enjoy that. I had met many renowned personalities only because of this profession. I also met my role model, Dr APJ Kalam whose understanding of culture, religion, people, places, emotions and country influenced me a lot. I even exchanged emails with him even if after he became the President. I also met Dr Kiran Bedi who takes her work too seriously even after becoming the Lt Governor of Pondicherry and expects others to follow the same suit. She believes in discipline and in fact, it's one of her principles. I follow her regularly through social sites. 

I am being invited as a subject expert by many organisations for conducting interviews. During interviews when I asked the candidates about why choose the LIS field, most of them would reply, it is because of love for the books. I would ask them how many books you have read till now. There would be silence ... I would like to tell my young friends through this forum who are planning for librarianship as their career that this is the toughest job. You have to update your skills every day. You need to be proactive. You need to possess multiple skills like communication, leadership and technical and so on. You also need to have the subject speciality. You should keep updating your knowledge by attending conferences, webinars, reading articles etc. Librarian’s positions focus on all the three aspects of library work i.e. user services, technical services and administrative services. In addition to an MLS degree, librarians working in a special library, like a law or corporate library, usually specialize in the subject of their organization, sometimes by earning a master's, doctoral, or professional degree in the subject. Librarians should participate in continuing education and training to keep abreast with new information systems and technology. I always try my best to be a perfectionist. For me, learning is a continuous process and an all-inclusive one like reading a book, learning music or performing art. I try to learn something new every day. Willing to be a beginner every single morning is what I would prefer.

PS: What is your role in the library of the current organisation - The Knowledge Resource Centre? What are your major contributions to the centre? 

LS: At my current institute I am engaged in the following activities:

• Setting up a world-class library with systems and services. 
• Acquiring, preparing and organizing materials and assist users in locating appropriate materials. 
• Extension of library services to more patrons. 
• Technical management as well as Administration of the library.  
• Managing staff, including recruitment, training and/or supervisory duties, 
• Liaising with departmental academic staff, external organisations and suppliers, 
• Ensuring that library services meet the needs of particular groups of users. 
• Supporting independent research and learning developing IT facilities. 

• Dissemination of knowledge through teaching and outreach, and creative experimentation of ideas and concepts.
• Publication of Newsletter, Annual reports MoUs etc. 
• Coordinating with different departments of IICA, Ministries, PSUs, National Banks, Educational and Business Centres for Research, Training, Teaching etc. 
• Coordinating and Planning events as Programme Director.

I also got an opportunity to work as Incharge of Hostel, Campus Development and Administration, Public Records Officer, also as the Chairperson of Internal Complaints Committee (Vishakha Committee), Physical Verification of Adm and IT. Staff Grievance Office, Took the Green Plan initiative. I developed LMS and Institutional Repository using open source softwares and many more. Every day is a new day and new learning.

PS: You are a Consultant to several organizations in setting up their information centres, knowledge centre. What kind of consultancy services you provide and how are these organizations benefited from your guidance?

LS: As a consultant, I was invited by a few Universities and Institutions of national importance. I am fortunate that during the initial stage of the Central University of Rajasthan, I was invited as a member of the panel. My main role as a consultant in such libraries is to provide guidance to establish a new library as per the norms recommended by CBSE/ICSE/State Board. UGC etc. I also provide time to time guidance to young library professionals. 

PS: You are a multidimensional person who is an author, poet, singer, Professional and a Motivational Speaker. You are the best example of time management. How do you give your best to all the platforms and what are the problems you face being a multidimensional personality?

LS: My biggest motivation is my family. They are my biggest source of inspiration and my strongest supporters also. When I see my parent’s dedication towards hard work I am motivated to be like them. They are self-motivated individuals. Hence I try to imbibe their positivism into my life. I have learned not to give up even if in the difficult situation, honesty and integrity for the profession from my father. My mother is the source of calm confidence and big support for me. Knowing exactly where to push hard and where to slow down is something I have imbibed from her. They are my actual strength when I feel weak or less motivated. Success is what motivates me to give my best. I believe that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional success and this keeps me going. Following the correct path encourages me to push more. Hence, for me, success is important both at personal as well as professional level. Access to top management is a highly motivating factor. I like to have a non-rigid and accommodating approach to life. I am a multitasker and it comes directly from my genes. During my sessions on Motivational subjects, I always tell my young professional friends and students that everything can be achieved in life if your goals are set and you are dedicated to doing hard work. Nothing is impossible in this world. Everything is achievable. If I can do anybody can do.     

PS: Foundation of each of these kinds of fields requires a genuine mentor. Kindly provide a brief introduction of some of your mentors? 

LS: Having a person above you who is willing to sit and discuss things is highly motivating. Gaining work-related knowledge is also important. A mentor can teach you tricks of the trade which would go a long way to enhance your career.  I have many mentors but no Godfather. For me every individual from whom I gain something is my mentor, it may be a young chap or an experienced and elderly professional. I am a good observer and a good student. Whenever and wherever there is something new, that interest me I love to learn. That is the reason that I could able to get these degrees. I recently completed my MBA in Finance and HR with first class marks i.e “A” grade. I still feel I am in a learning process and ready to learn any good thing that interests me.

PS: This is one of your Facebook posts: “I'm fortunate enough to have bosses who supported the actions I took and were willing to let me try new things because they believed that I can accomplish them”. If you really mean these words, then you are really fortunate. Please give us some details. 

LS: I am fortunate enough that I had worked with the organizations that have opted an open door policy. Most of my organizations had a flat structure which promoted peer to peer learning and encouraged feedback which was /is a big plus for me. A highly bureaucratic organization is not something I look forward to. I always wanted to work at a responsible position that enabled me to utilize my talents and work closely with my colleagues in solving important problems. I always see myself taking new and exciting challenges in an enjoyable way. I used to do many creative and innovative things and it’s my way of learning and doing things. This has also helped me to not to get bored by the same routine work life. All my bosses encouraged me in my professional career. 

PS: You are the recipient of many National and International Awards that also includes Women Innovator award 2018 and Ideal Womaniya National Award 2018. How these awards have motivated you to work hard towards the profession?

LS: The idea that I might provide a solution to someone’s problem is what motivates me to do a good job. To understand and empathize with people is crucial. You do not want to make them feel inferior or incapable of solving their own problems. I simply try to show them an alternate and less resistance path as a solution to their difficulty. This not only makes them feel better but also allows them to introspect and to think logically. I try to be positive always. This allows me to instill the same optimism onto others when they need it the most. Lending a helping hand is about making the person feel upbeat, energetic and positive. As a leader, it is imperative that you trust your team members and support them. It is also important to create synergy from their individual capabilities. In all such awards, I was nominated by someone else. I never applied to my own in the first instance.

PS: Please share your 2012 SLA experience.

LS: I was selected for SLA Asian Professional Award. My SLA experience was published in SLA Asian Chapter Newsletter (Vol 8 No 2 year 2012) and would like to share that with you again. I was a bit stunned when I learned about my nomination. I was feeling as fortunate as it was one of my dreams to stand in front of the International gathering accepting an International Award for my achievements. I am indebted to the Chair Award Committee. The then SLA President Mr Brent Mai and Ms Koyoko Sato – the Director and Chair of the award committee from China were there to witness the ceremony and appreciated the work. Ms Sato came to me personally before the award and whispered that I truly deserve this award. Attending SLA Annual Conference was really a great experience. The Annual Conference of SLA was held at Chicago, Il during July 15-18, 2012. I got the opportunity to meet with some eminent personalities in the field of Library and Information Science. It was like a treasure house of knowledge and experiences shared with fellow professionals during the conference. This award also provided me with the very first opportunity to attend SLA Annual conference and Info-Expo at Chicago. This recognition also had elicited enthusiasm in me to make an effort to improve more as a professional. The SLA Award was the symbol of my success when the International participants cheered me for my achievements. The conference also enriched me with a new set of knowledge, experience and had increased my professional ability. I was interviewed by a few media channels as well. International recognition has certainly motivated me.

PS: You are the recipient of Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2014. Please share your journey from applying for the fellowship until the learning experience at the University of Birmingham, UK. 

LS: I am a member of many LIS forums. The application of Commonwealth was shared by some professional friend on one of the forum and I thought of applying. I also discussed it with my professional friends who had applied and received the fellowship previously. They encouraged me to apply. Our then DG & CEO recommended my candidature and fortunately, I was selected for this fellowship. The great surprise for me that I applied for the first time and it got selected and secondly I opted for Research and development Sector instead of Library Science. I selected the University of Birmingham as my host Institution because …. It was a major learning opportunity for me. I felt like going back to my school days. Every morning 7.00 a.m. till evening at 4.00 p.m. we had classes on various topics. We attended several workshops, seminars, field visits and so on. Almost all the management and research aspects were taught. We used to get homework also. At the end of our programme, we were provided with topics of our research work and we presented the research report before the committee and the students. During the fellowship time, I tried to complete projects well before the deadline. That not only gave me time to re-evaluate them but I also tried to help my colleagues with their projects. Completing work before time gave me a sense of pride and achievement. Improving efficiency without compromising on quality along with having spare time is what motivated me to beat deadlines. I realized that my friends could bank upon me when it comes to delivering quality work within a given time. This increased my self-confidence and allowed me to push myself harder. We had a great time during those 3 months in UK. We visited many places like Oxford, London, Scotland and Wales etc. As I said I am very positive by nature hence collected positive things from there and  I have a lot many positive experiences during my stay in the UK like:-

• Commuting is easy with very well connected trains/bus/trams/tubes
• People have patience while driving and don't blow horn unless needed
• Plenty of tourist locations within UK.
• Pedestrians get priority all the time
• And of course visiting Oxford University Library, Birmingham University Library, City Library and many more. We watched a few Plays at The City Library which was the best part during my stay in UK. 

Most of the commonwealth professionals were residing at BISH Wesley House at Birmingham and it was at a walkable distance from the University. We used to have a lot of fun with friends from different countries who were residing there for different reasons. I got to know about the culture of many countries.  I am still connected with most of my friends and miss them too.  It was entirely an educational trip for me which I will cherish for years.

PS: You received the Title “Green Ambassador”. It seems you are an environmentalist as well. Please elaborate your contribution in this regard.

LS: Yes, I promoted plantation programmes and I myself have planted more than 1800 plants till now. My love for nature is inbuilt. I see life in plants. They are my best friends during my loneliness. I have also written a few poems on Mother Nature.

PS: You are an author. You have published research articles in reputed national and international journals and also published five books with renowned publishers. How will you describe your works as an author in the field of library and information science?

LS: Till now I have published and presented more than 35 research articles, case studies and technical papers. Most of them are single-authored. There are a lot of many topics that I am planning to pen down. I got a good response from my publishers of books. During school days I used to write essays while references from various books and articles. That habit helped me to write articles. But most of my articles are case studies, my own experiences and research in the LIS field. 

PS: There is a hidden side of you also. You write poems and short stories also. Please tell about this aspect also.

LS: Abraham Maslow has rightly said “Musicians must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he's to be ultimately at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be”, I would like to thank my teachers for this who motivated me to write during my school’s days. My Hindi teacher would keep my essays and poems with her. She published one of my articles in a reputed magazine (although I do not have a copy as when it got published my teacher left the school and till date I have no connection with her). My music teacher had also kept my notes during my college days. My habit of reading and writing has helped me in this area also. I still write poems. Birthday gift from my side to my colleague would be either a handwritten poem (describing their personality and nature) or a plant. Some of the poems were penned in no time. I will definitely love to publish a book of my poems. I was awarded twice by "Hindi Prachar Prasaar Santhan" in the year 2018 (i.e. in the month of March and September respectively) for my poems.

PS: We all know that reading books opens the door to a vivid imagination, expanded vocabulary and the ability to succeed academically. You are a vivid reader also. Please tell what kind of literature you read. What are you reading nowadays? What are your suggestions for inculcating reading habits among the children?

LS: Good reading skills benefit students not only do academically, but it helps them for lifelong success. Reading develops vocabulary, increases attention span, and promotes stronger analytical thinking. The key to encouraging reading habits in kids or students is reading aloud with them at home from a young age. By reading together often, your child will know about the joys reading can bring, motivate him or her to read. Watching you reading magazines, newspapers, and books will show your child that reading is important. Encourage your child to join you with his or her own book while you are reading. During my session for the youth, I always try to motivate them to read books and provide them with a few good titles to start with. 

PS: Did your MA in sociology contributed to your understanding of society?

LS: ‘Society’ has so many meanings. It could refer to small villages, a country as a whole, or even a whole linguistic/religious group. Culture can help to shape the interactions and quirks of society. Knowledge and understanding of these societal differences can help create a more tolerant society. Sociology is concerned about the behaviour, organization, and distribution of power within a society, that is, a network of rather idealized individuals. Psychology pertains to the study of the human mind, whereas sociology pertains to learning human behaviour in society. Sociology aims to study society. The reason behind, avoiding the study of an individual's behaviour is as that cannot be generalized for the whole society. That's why Sociology uses its own tools and methods over society to study it as a whole. I am not sure if you can use the subjective approach in Psychology but in Sociology, it is avoided and empirical studies are done to generalize anything over the whole society. During my college days, I was associated with National Social Service and we used to go to Kacchi Basti (Urban Slums) and would teach the kids of the urban slums. We also motivated the labourer for upbringing their family with education and other skills.

PS: The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. With a decline in their status from the ancient to medieval times, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, their history has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high offices. You yourself are working with Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Being women did you face any problems regarding the status, in this male dominating society?

LS: There have been innumerable debates about gender in India over the years. Much of it includes women’s position in society, their education, health, economic position, gender equality etc. What one can conclude from such discussions is that women have always held a certain paradoxical position in a developing country like ours. With time, a lot has changed since those dark ages of the 1950s for the women. Though at some levels problems like dowry, crimes like rape, sexual harassment at the office or public places, and molestation, eve-teasing prevail. Even after over sixty years of independence women are still exploited, which is the shameful side of our country? Yet one can’t deny that the situation has improved since the earlier times. Women, who now represent 48.2% of the population, are getting access to education, and then employment. Women in India have slowly started recognising their true potential. They are questioning the rules laid down for them by society. As a result, they have started breaking barriers and earned a respectable position in the world. Today Indian women have excelled in each and every field from social work to visit the space station. There is no arena, which remains unconquered by Indian women. Whether it is politics, sports, entertainment, literature, technology everywhere, its women power all along. Today, the modern woman is so deft and self-sufficient that she can be easily called a superwoman, juggling many fronts single-handedly. Women are now fiercely ambitious and are proving their mental not only on the home front but also in their respective professions. Despite progress, the very fact that women, along with being achievers, also are expected to fulfil their roles as wives or mothers, prioritizing home against anything else. I personally feel that we’re living in a unique time of history where women's voices are increasingly being encouraged and heard. As a result, we’re undergoing a fundamental shift in our approach to leadership. As the new generation emerges, we’re seeing a flatter management style, where collaborative working is preferred over pushing from above. For me, this is a great opportunity, for women in particular as it offers a much wider scope for defining successful leadership. I always encourage and motivate other women to come forward to do something for society. Whatever they have earned from the society they should return it back. If they are leaders, they should become a champion for others and should be prepared to mentor and to open doors for those you believe in.   

PS: These days, it seems like all the world’s information is on Google. What does a bricks and mortar library offer that search engines and the Internet can’t? Please put in your views on ‘Digital India Movement’ and its application in library and information centres.

LS: The success of India is intrinsically linked to its ability to keep pace with technology. The world has seen an unprecedented change in the technology landscape over the last decade and innovation has become more important than ever before. Technology can help build a digital India—a knowledge-based society and economy— by empowering, connecting and binding everyone. In a country where nearly 70% of the population lives in villages, a significant segment of about 6.5 lakh villages do not have a single bank branch, access to quality healthcare, and higher education, the Govt has done well to recognize these handicaps and addressed them in its manifesto with the ideas such as National Rural Internet and Technology Mission for use in TeleMedicine, Mobile Healthcare, Massive Open Online Courses and setting up a National e-Library, NDLI, SWAYAM etc. are some of the best examples of Digital India Initiatives.

Secondly, while taking the sessions on Cyber Law, I always tell the students that they must search for authentic reference materials before posting or sending the messages in social media. As you know, the Internet is a place where anyone can write so it’s not possible that every content present on the Internet is true. Some misleading information present on the Internet goes viral due to circulation. So the reality is around 40% information present on the Internet is fake (expect some reliable sources). Hence I always recommend searching an authentic site before coming to the conclusions.

PS: What is the rule of a 21st-century librarian? How has the profession changed?

LS: Librarians have always played an essential role in research and information services, providing scientists with essential information and helping students find what they need. However, the modern librarian’s role has evolved into one of the most multifaceted jobs on a university campus. Scientific librarians, in particular, are tasked with engaging their patrons with the latest resources and technological developments, which is not an easy feat given how quickly technology changes. Librarians play an integral role in keeping up with the federal requirements for open access and data management and provide just in time support to help faculty and researchers manage them. We also play an important role in helping faculty and researchers to showcase their research activities in a variety of ways. The physical space of a library has become a place for study and social networking. The future impact of the library will not necessarily depend on the physical presence of the library, because the resources (databases, journals, books, etc.) to support the information needs of most disciplines will be available from anywhere, at any time, on any device. The information will be in real time, easily accessible, and easily shared and synced. The new role of libraries in the 21st century is to be a learning and knowledge center for their users as well as the intellectual commons for their respective communities where, to borrow the phrase from the Keystone Principles, people and ideas interact in both the real and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge. Libraries preserve knowledge so that none is lost, organize knowledge so that none is wasted, and make knowledge available so that no one need be deprived in this information age. Library services have brought a lot of changes to library operations by making access to knowledge more convenient to the user.  

During my stay at Birmingham, the faculty after delivering their lectures encourages the students to read the books for further references. The faculty used to tell the students that the more you read, the more words you are exposed to. Exposure to well-written work can have a huge impact on our own writing.  I also feel that reading a book is much cheaper than going to a movie or any other forms of entertainment. Reading is free at the library, where the new books are constantly being added. I always tell the youth that these are the best friends as they can even transport you to different worlds, all with the added benefits of not having to pay for your airfare (hahhaha). While reading you are concentrating on one thing, by doing so you train your body to avoid distractions. This ability can help in performing other tasks that require concentration. I saw a poster on Amazon which says that “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them (Ray Bradbury). As we all know the story of Nalanda University. The Turkish leader Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the roots of knowledge, Budhhisimamd Ayurveda forms the country three times. He set fire to the great library of Nalanda and burned down nearly 9 million manuscripts. The library was so vast and strong that it took three months to completely destroy it. The University was again reopened after 800 years i.e. on September 1, 2014. It was originally established during the Gupta period in the 6th century AD by Gupta Kings. I think we the Librarians should promote reading habits, should definitely conduct orientation sessions for the faculty and students regularly. Libraries should not be misunderstood as a repository of books rather it is a repository of information. I feel that that the Digital Age is not at all a threat to the library rather it is the greatest opportunity and is an unbeatable combination of traditional versus modern. Digital literacy skills need to be developed and the curriculum of LIS must focus more on such aspects. The new technologies are continually changing the way people access information. 

PS: I am also in this field for 20 years. For me, the ILA association is one association in the country. For me and my nearby colleagues, the ILA election was a normal and silent affair. But this year ILA elections have become the topic of discussion the among the librarians. What are your views regarding this?

LS: I personally feel that only in the LIS profession we have created so many associations which are just meant to organise conferences and seminars. Unlike other professional associations, the LIS associations are not actually working on the mandate they propose. I feel that all these associations should be merged within ILA like Chapters of different regions. For example, NHRD have their (NEWS regions) chapters. CAs, CS Doctors all professional have only one association under whose umbrella other regional associations are merged. To uplift our professional image, we should work as a team. ILA should act as an umbrella to support the professionals and other associations' as well. This will unite us. Library association must play an important role in the promotion of librarianship as a profession.

PS: Please mention some of the activities which you really do to promote librarianship in India.

LS: The education system in India is based on the British system of education. The Government of India lays stress on education for all. The directive principle contained in article 45 states that the state has to provide free and compulsory education for all until the age of 14 years. School is a gateway to knowledge and plays an important role in building up a love for reading. The school library is integral to this educational process. Encouraged at the right age, the children will surely develop a love for books. “Catch'em Young” is, therefore, the motto of the school libraries. Dr. Ranganathan stated that the school libraries should act as laboratories for students and the librarians should function as guides to help the students in learning and using the books for improvement of knowledge and scholarship.

Learning new things is what gives me immense motivation. For example, when I learned how to cook. I did this by scouring various recipes and helping out my mother in the kitchen. Only the willingness to learn a new trick or trade is what kept me going. The very fact that I am adding to my knowledge base is a big boost for me. Utilizing my free time in a constructive way is my source of motivation. I believe that learning should never stop. Given the level of competition that businesses face nowadays, it becomes imperative to constantly reinvent yourself by accumulating whatever usefully comes along the way.” 

I have been invited by many Universities and Colleges, Schools where I had delivered lectures on Transformation of Librarianship in India for their faculty and students.  I always try to promote the professional skills and technological managerial skills required for an LIS professional. We as a librarian perform duties of managers as well; if you compare the similarities between a manager and an LIS professional we will found more similarities than differences. Like technical skills, human skills, communication skill, presentation skill, time management skill, leading skill, planning skill, decision-making skill, marketing skill, are also required for a good Library professional. Hence, I would recommend that the Library Science schools should review their curriculum. If you ask me, I still prefer IGNOU study materials which are regularly updated.

PS: Final thoughts

LS: Last but not least "Everything is special if you think so.

Every moment is memorable if you feel so.

Everyone is unique if you see so.

Life is beautiful if you live so.

Think positive and live happily.

(Disclaimer: I conducted this interview through email. I am  Dr Preeti Sharda working as a Librarian of the Regional Institute of English, Chandigarh. I am really grateful to Dr Lata Suresh for sparing her valuable time for this interview. She is a very hardworking and multi-talented librarian. She has really set an example for all us working as library professionals. Interviewing this kind of librarians has made my vision broader and will definitely help me to think beyond the actualities.)