Dr Prabhjot Kaur: Public Librarian with a Distinctive and Dynamic Role

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur Sandhu, presently working as District Librarian at District Library Amritsar has over two and half decades of experience working in different types of libraries of Punjab. She is a Public Librarian with a Distinctive and Dynamic Role. She has been actively working for promoting reading habits and the use of public libraries among natives. She is making lots of effort to make the District Library Amritsar a very inviting place by organizing various activities and programmes from time to time. Dr. Prabhjot is very active in the LIS field and has written a number of research articles for national and international conferences/ workshops/ seminars, training and has delivered invited lectures and motivational talks and has organized a number of workshops for library professionals. She has more than 25 research papers to her credit and has authored a book in the library and information science. 

Dr Prabhjot Kaur has represented International Emerging Library Innovators (INELI) of India and South Asia at 'Global INELI Libraries Meet' at Seattle (America) on an invitation of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and MSSRF. She was also a member of the 'Indian Public Library Movement Impact Group'- a monitoring body which was to observe changes in the public libraries of India. A vice president of Punjab College Librarians Association, she is also a life member of the Indian Librarian Association and other national and regional professional bodies.

Recognizing her selfless services towards the community, the Punjabi Samvaad (NGO) honoured her with Women active for social cause Award 2017 on International Women’s  Day 2017, Naari Chetna Manch (NGO) honoured her for her zeal, self-motivation, dedication and un-ending commitment to work for society. She is bestowed by Award of Honour on 72nd Independence Day (2018) by Finance Minister, S.Manpreet Singh Badal for delivering the best public library services. Sri Guru Ram Dass Avatar Purab Committee Amritsar on its Golden jubilee honoured her with the ‘Special Service Award 2018’ for selflessly working towards society. Literary forum- Punjabi Sabiyachar Sath te Sahit Santha honoured her on International Women’s Day 2019 and also Rotary Club conferred her with the “Influential Women’s Award 2019 for serving the people through the public library.

Interview

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Tell us about your background. Also, tell what led you to libraries?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: You know, I was destined to be a librarian. I got two post-graduation degrees one in English and another one in Library and Information Science  (LIS) and Ph.D. in LIS from Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar. My journey as a librarian started when--after getting my masters in English; I happened to visit the library science department to meet my uncle who was then Head of the department, he suggested me to do BLIS rather than wasting one year waiting for the admission in M.Phil (English). I reluctantly joined, however, later on, I finished MLIS securing the second position in the university. While I was working on my MLIS dissertation, I was offered the post of librarian in Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School for Girls where I worked for two years. Deciding to pursue research in library science, I made a quit my job and joined the Department of Library Science and Information Science, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar as a research scholar. However, I was not able to continue my research work as I was on my family's way. I was completely bedridden for six months, thereafter I was entirely occupied with my premature baby girl. Pre and post pregnancy kept me away from my profession for a while. To overcome this agony, my husband advised me to take up to do B.Ed. I completed my B. Ed. degree from Khalsa College of Education where I later also worked as the librarian. While applying for a job at Army School, Cantonment, I submitted applications for two posts; for an English teacher and for the post of librarian. As destined, I was offered the post of the school librarian and this is how my journey as librarian resumed.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: What was your career path before coming to the District Library Amritsar?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: After my selection by Punjab Public Service Commission in 1997, my first joining as a college librarian was at Government College Karamsar, District Ludhiana. Every day commuting from Amritsar to Karamsar was arduous, tiring which at the initial stage I did for my little daughter who had already suffered a lot due to her premature birth. While traveling, many times, I fell sick which made tough to travel every day. For a few months, I shared a room with my colleague at Ludhiana. Later, I was transferred to Government College Bhulath, District Kapurthala, first librarian to join that college since its opening. The college had no library as such, few books in almirahs that’s it. It was to start from the beginning, laboratory tables were altered and used fora library. My one and half year stay in the college was totally devoted to establishing a library. Thereafter I was transferred to District Public Library Amritsar.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: You said “A smart city needs smart libraries, especially public libraries that have the potential of becoming community development hubs. I want to build up the district library one step at a time, until we reach our goal,” What efforts you have put in for this?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: It is very much clear that public libraries are people’s universities and the main role of public libraries is to keep the public well informed and provide information freely and easily. Libraries have to serve beyond books especially public libraries which are to serve the community by fulfilling their information needs they medium they choose and also provide solutions to them. It has to be relevant and useful free space for life to the communities in the present scenario where patrons have access to the flow of information and build their skills needed in the globalized world.

So with an aim to establish a connection between library and community,  I started organizing activities at the library with the support of individuals and institutions. Various activities were organized in the thematic category of culture and heritage such as mother’s day was celebrated, in the category of health, Meditation sessions were held for both school students and adults to learn the knack of focusing. Apart from this, Seminars on reading habits and health awareness were also conducted. Another unique aspect of this library is that it conducted many live health sessions (IPLM, MSSRF) covering a broad range of topics like nutrition and diet, etc. In the category of personnel development also this library has not failed to leave a mark. They have contributed immensely by conducting storytelling and drawing competitions and have also tried to impart knowledge about the environment and gender sensitivity among the young

Amritsar is one of the cities to be developed as a smart city, taking this opportunity, I submitted a proposal of a smart public library to then CEO of Amritsar Smart City Project Ltd.

 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please share your experience as a writer.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: As a writer, I had done several paper presentations and attended several conferences and seminars at national and international levels.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: You were a pioneer in establishing a library in Jail. Please tell me something about how you were involved in this project and how you actually established the library?

It was a call from district administration to contribute books for the new library. There were no guidelines to give away books from the district library to open up a library. It was an initiative to start with a new library which I do not want to let it go. So I gave a call to the community to donate books for opening new library for inmates of jail for which I got an overwhelming response. The library was able to donate more than thousands of books on various subjects for the new library. I also trained an inmate for accessioning the collection and for issuing process.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: How you decided to put in your efforts to promote National Reading Month 2019. Please share the experience and activities during this month?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: Being an INELI innovator, I had an opportunity to be part of this mission since its inception in 2017. The library was already organizing various activities for the community,by joining this mission I was more focused on promoting reading habit among all. I find, it is very important to motivate people to read as the sole aim of libraries is not a mere collection but to encourage usage of resources of the libraries which will make libraries alive, a knowledge hub. Public library functioning is not limited to mere circulation of books for academics or for research,its much more than this. Through this mission, I am able to motivate people for leisure reading which a total miss these days. During reading month -19th June -18th July, focus is to organize reading related activities not only in the district library but also outside the library. In 2019, library organized activity promoting reading everyday during the reading month, many times two or more activities within a day in the library and in schools. Such activities have brought the library in publicity as the knowledge hub.

Dr. Preeti Sharda:  Please share your experience at International Emerging Library Innovators (INELI) of India?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: Before being part of INELI programme, I had ideas to improve library services but was implementing these ideas with uncertainty and not very confidently as I am doing now after joining MSSRF’s programme- INELI of India and South Asia. I am implementing ideas to improve library services and connect community with library. As INELIAN, I am working selflessly to make my library a community knowledge center. I am actively engaged with the community to create awareness that public libraries can successfully function beyond books.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: You were a part of South Asia at Global INELI Libraries Meet at Seattle (America) on an invitation of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and MSSRF. Please provide a brief on it.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: It was a wonderful learning and a great honor for me to represent the country and INELIANS. Global INELI libraries convening organized by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation held at its Headquarter, Seattle, America from 28th February to 2nd March 2018. In this meet, participants from the other 7 regional chapters of the world learned innovative library services of outstanding public libraries. This meet brought together public librarians of various countries to share their experiences of demonstrating diverse need-based knowledge services for their communities through public libraries, across their countries. It was a big platform for me to share my journey as an innovator with the other seven regional INELI innovators. The First time, I had an opportunity to share my journey as an INELI with the help of igniting presentation which was appreciated by all. In words of Nancy J. Annabel, director of the project----

Dr. Preeti Sharda: You are also a member of the Indian Public Library Movement Impact Group- a monitoring body which observes changes in the public libraries of India. Do you think your presence has made a difference?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: It was a great opportunity to be a member of the IPLM Impact group. We had many brainstorming sessions to bring momentum to this movement across the country, to involve others and to improve the working of public libraries. Sadly this movement is not picking up due to some unknown issues.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Describe your experience as a member of the National Organising Committee of P.N. Panikar and Reading Mission 2022-a a mission initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect 300 million people with reading.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: Recognizing the importance of Reading and its influence in human development Honourable Prime minister Mr.Nadrendra  Modi ji launched on 22nd National Reading Day- reading month celebrations at Kochi on 17th June 2017 and requested P.N.Panickar foundation to Initiate a National Level movement to promote reading habits with an emphasis of digital reading. For  23rd National Reading Day- Reading Month celebration 2018, a meeting was held on 21st May 2018 at the constitution Club, New Delhi

As one of the members of the National Organizing committee from 19 states, I attended for planning the proceeding of Reading mission for the year 2018. The Committee was chaired by P.J.Kurien, Honourable Deputy Chairman of Panickar foundation and the RajyaSabha, Baby Sahib, Afrose Ahmad, Ministry of Water Resource Mr.BalaGopal, Shadrack, Ms.Meenakshilekhi, Member Parliament from New Delhi, AnibanSarma, National program officer, Unesco officials. All the special invitees promised to extend their full support and cooperation for the Reading Mission and also suggested to a co-related Reading mission with the Environment., each participant provided ways to achieve the target in the four years and ways to organize the reading mission. This year, NitiAayog notified to chief sectaries of all states to organize activities related to reading

Dr. Preeti Sharda:  How Punjab College Librarians Association helping the librarians of Punjab?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: Since its establishment, PCLA has been working very actively for the librarians of Punjab. College librarians in Punjab had got parity of status and scale because of the untiring efforts of PCLA. I thank my seniors for their contribution to the upliftment of profession in the state and always seek their guidance as vice president of PCLA 2019-20.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: You are the recipient of ‘Women Active for Social Cause Award 2017’, ‘Special Service Award 2018’, “Influential Women’s Award 2019’ and you have been honored many times for serving the people through the public library. Do these awards have motivated you to work harder?

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: In my opinion, awards bestowed are recognization of one’s sincere efforts that one put in one’s work. I am sure nobody does it only for an award. Awards bring along more responsibility, to perform, act better than earlier .to outdo oneself. Definitely, it’s one’s commitment towards its work and oneself that gets the award . It is a kind of recognition one gets in the form of award.

Dr. Preeti Sharda:  Library an engine of change - promoting reading, Elaborate.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: “Libraries change lives”. In my opinion, whosoever enters the library is not the same when he leaves it. He is enriched with more information, knowledge when he leaves the library. I would quote an example of ex -watchman of the library who was illiterate when he joined his duty. He learned reading and writing after coming to the library and he gives credit to the library for his education. He shared that every day he saw people reading newspapers, magazines, etc in the library which inspired him to do the same. It may seem an ordinary incident but has a deep message. If the library is part of your routine, it brings change and promotes reading too.

Dr. Preeti Sharda:  You message to students and literature lovers.

Dr. Prabhjot Kaur: My message to everyone - ‘Begin your journey as a reader from a personal library and reach out to your public library’. Both libraries help one to be a better human and a citizen.

(It was a great honour to take an interview with a dedicated, very humble and a very hardworking professional like Dr. Prabhjot Kaur. Thank you so much, Dr. Prabhjot, for sparing time from your busy schedule. The interview can also be read at https://www.ranganathansociety.org/dr-prabhjot-kaur/)

Dr Jaspal Kaur: A Multi-Dimensional Personality

A Journey from a Vocalist to a Shooter/Archer to a Librarian to a Principal of the College

Dr Jaspal Kaur is presently officiating Principal at Dev Samaj College for Women, Sector 45B, Chandigarh. She is also heading the library of the college. She has immensely contributed to growth and development of librarianship with her enthusiasm, self-motivation, dedication and un-ending commitment.  She is a tall figure competing with younger generation to be with times and ahead of times related to various aspects of modern librarianship and technology developments. Recognizing her work, the SATKAL Foundation bestowed on her “National Woman Librarian” award in the year 2013.

She has to her credit 4 edited books and contributed over 30 papers in national and international conferences. She has a long association with Chandigarh Librarians’ Association (CLA), currently she is the General Secretary of CLA and also President of COLNI, a representative body of library associations of North India.

Dr Jaspal Kaur has the hunger to do more learning and seeks to empower her colleagues and tries to let them bring out their best for the growth and development of their respective libraries to serve the college community better with advanced technologies. Dr Jaspal Kaur proved to be role model for many women librarians in Chandigarh and other parts of North India. She has projected herself as a multi-dimensional personality - as an anchor, a singer, a sportsperson, a multi-tasker and a committed professional.

Interview

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please tell something about your background.

Dr Jaspal Kaur: I was born and brought up in an army family based at Patiala. I had my education from school to university in Chandigarh. I was interested in sports and music vocal. My interest in sports in the college and university gave me an opportunity to be recognised as National player in shooting and Archery.

Dr Preeti Sharda: During your student years, you were a Shooter and an Archer and you also participated in a number of sports events at the National Level, but you choose a career in Library Science? Why?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: I was keenly interested in following either Music, Sports and get into the army due to my involvement in NCC activities during my graduation. However my father’s advised me down to settle in life, so I had to choose librarianship, as he was of the view that this profession was good opportunity for the women.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Under your supervision, how the library of Dev Samaj College for Women (DSCW) has evolved?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: I did accept the challenge of setting up the library for Dev Samaj College for Women, Sector 45B, Chandigarh. The Library, which was housed in the basement, had to struggle in relocating its collection due to heavy rains and floods in 1995. During all these years, I have been looking for ways and means to improve organizing the library and providing library & information services to the college community.

During 2001, the college library received grant of Rs 2.0 lakhs from MPLADS for purchase of books and improving the collection development. Again, in 2003, with the efforts of dedication and commitment, the Library received Rs 2.5 lakhs exclusively for automation activities of the Library. With untiring efforts, the Library was reorganized and totally automated within a span of six months. Today, the College Library is the first one among the College Libraries in Chandigarh to barcode all its collection. With added facilities and modern technology, I have been quite active in organizing the Library related competitions for the benefit of college students and seminars for the benefit of fellow professionals and thus furthering the cause of Librarianship.

The College Library has been the first in the city to digitize its News Clippings and the college had the honor to host a UGC Sponsored National seminar on “Managing College Libraries in the Digital Environment: Opportunities and Challenges” on 03-04 August 2007 No college library in Chandigarh has so far organized a library seminar with UGC sponsorship.

I have launched various innovative services and programmes aimed at spreading book culture among the college community. To mention a few like, music therapy, career counselling and many of these were the first of their kind not only in the college but also among the city colleges.

Dr Preeti Sharda: You have set an example to officiate as principal of the college for more than a period of two years. Was this journey easy?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: It was not easy for me as a college librarian to officiate as a principal of one of the prestigious girls’ college – Dev Samaj College for Women – in Chandigarh. It was indeed a great challenge for me to understand nitty-gritty of college administration. However, I am proud to say that I had done a lot with the support of the college management further development of the college to be at par with other colleges in the city, like starting of new courses, streamlining of college administration, organizing major events, which got attention and recognition of the university like Inter college Youth festival. This made me more motivated and dedicated for overall development and strengthening of the college. This gave me satisfaction that the library skills that I possess helped me to successfully managing the college as the officiating principal more than a year. I admit that the librarians can also be good administrators.

Dr Preeti Sharda: What changes you brought at Dev Samaj College for Women (DSCW) as the head of the institution?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: As officiating principal of the college and the librarian, I was actively involved in streamlining the following: 

• Completion of new hostel building with modern amenities.
• Construction of new Administrative blocks which also houses new and spacious library.
• First private college library in Chandigarh to get RFID system. 
• Strengthening of the staff working, regularly communicating with the parents of the students to monitor their academic progress.
• Created an environment in which all the academic staff contributed to the growth and development of the students that ensured increase in the pass percentage, participation in cultural and academic activities.
• Organized  Zonal Youth Festival

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please tell us about your contributions towards Chandigarh Librarians’ Association (CLA).

Dr Jaspal Kaur: I have been closely associated with Chandigarh Librarians’ Association (CLA) since the beginning of my career and have served the Association in various positions. I was the President of the Association from 2001 to 2005. Presently, I am General Secretary of the Association.

Being a woman and with my committed responsibilities at home, I have been able to serve the professional body, like CLA for the last 20 years in various positions, for the growth and development of professional colleagues, especially the women professionals. Having associated with CLA as Secretary, President, and in various other capacities, I had proved to be a mentor to a number of young professionals, who turn up to me for professional advice.

Dr Preeti Sharda: You decided to do your Doctorate degree very late in career. Why so?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: Even at the age of 57, when other women librarians prefer to settle down in their lives and dedicate themselves to their respective families, I have the hunger to do more learning and seeks to empower her colleagues and tries to let them bring out their best for the growth and development of their respective libraries to serve the college community better with advanced technologies. Due to my personal and professional commitment I was not able to pursue may PhD earlier but when I got the opportunity I did it.

Dr Preeti Sharda: How you initiated the digital library of Dev Samaj Literature?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: I was asked by our college management to setup a library of Dev Samaj Society at its headquarters in Chandigarh. During the course of setting up of the library of the society, I had the opportunity to scan very valuable literature in the form of books, artefacts, out of print books, manuscripts etc. During the discussions with the management while setting up the library it was decided to make this valuable literature available to the outside world as this wealth of information could be accessible. Towards this end, we digitized all the literature of Dev Samaj and was uploaded on its website so that anyone can access this valuable information of Dev Samaj without any cost.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please brief about how you relate to the NGO, Sadhna Society.

Dr Jaspal Kaur: As I am passionate about serving the people and I always wanted to help the people specially the special children. What moved me to associate with the Sadhna Sadan Society was my experience with my best friend’s daughter who is a special child and the time, commitment, dedication, affection that my friend showed for her daughter was quite touching for me. Once I volunteered during their sports meets, functions and I decided to serve special children.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Foundation of such a great career requires a genuine mentor. Provide a brief introduction of some of your mentors?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: During the beginning of my career as librarian, I wanted to do different things in the library. I attended one of the events organized by Chandigarh Librarians Association and I was so impressed and motivated by the activities that Chandigarh Librarians Association was promoting the libraries and library profession at that point of time and I enthusiastically joined as member of CLA. I had the privileged and opportunity to discuss the issues related to the profession and status of the College libraries in Chandigarh with Mr. I B Verma who was then General Secretary of CLA. Campaigning on reading habits by CLA and in particular, the leadership of Mr. I B Verma provided me an opportunity to experience and exposure on promoting the libraries in the city. This further helped me to grow professionally and to take up issues related to librarians respective to their pay scales and status. Mr. I B Verma helped me to grow independently and professionally as a librarian

I also give credit to Dr. P.V.Rao who was Chandigarh Libraries Consortium coordinator for his support for technological initiatives in my library. With his help, I was able to develop an automated library and modernise my college library.

The trust of my college management particularly the chairman of the college Sh Nirmal Singh Dhillon and Secretary of the college Dr. Agnese Dhillon, made me more committed, dedicated to continue to give my best. It helped me to go up to the position of Officiating Principal of the college. I always value the learning from them, which ultimately helped me as a person. 
I will always be grateful to Professor Jagtar Singh, Head, DLIS, Panjabi Univeristy for his support and kindness. It would be impossible to count all the ways that he has helped me in my career. He has been always a good mentor and guides me on the right path.

Dr Preeti Sharda: If you had a single piece of advice for an academic librarian, what would you say?

Dr Jaspal Kaur: As a woman librarian, I had often observed that most of the girls who join this profession are very brilliant and can do wonders for the growth and development of the profession. Unfortunately, due to various reasons their capacities remained hidden. Therefore, my advice to all the woman librarian would be to keep doing their best for the profession and don’t stop under any circumstances to grow personally and professionally I would further advise them to think positive and grab every opportunity that come on their way.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Your final thoughts…..

Dr Jaspal Kaur: The librarianship provides best opportunities for the woman in a number of ways like stability, personality development, knowledgeable person and education.

(Thank you Dr Jaspal Kaur for sparing time for the interview. You have done great things on both fronts i.e. a College Librarian and a Head of the Institution. A big salute for all your efforts. All the best for your future endeavors.)

Dr Akhtar Parvez: A Self-Possessed and Resourceful Librarian

Dr. Akhtar Parvez is University Librarian at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, (MANUU). Before joining MANUU he headed the library of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Indore. He has about 30 years of professional experience of working in prestigious institutions, both in government and private sector, including National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), The American Center-USIS-New Delhi, DELNET, India International Centre and the leading credit rating agency, ICRA.

Dr. Parvez has authored one book, edited 11books/conference proceedings and has contributed 17 papers in journals and books. He is Managing Editor of Journal of Library Management; Member,Editorial Board, GYANKOSH: The Journal of Library and Information Management and International Research; and, Journal of Library and Information Science published by King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Besides these, he held several important positions including Chairperson, IIM Indore Website Committee (2013-2016), first Appellate Authority on RTI Matters, IIM Indore (2014 to 2016), Editor, IIM Indore Quarterly Newsletter (2012 to 2016), Member, Institutional Academic Integrity Panel, MANUU (2019- ), and so on. He is recipient of the AIMS International-IRMA Outstanding Management Librarian Award given by Association of Indian Management Scholars 2016, SRFLIS India Library Leaders: Promising Professional Award 2013, ILA-Promoter Award 2002, Best Young Librarian Award 2015 of Indore Division Library Association, VishwaLaxmi Best Management Librarian Award by INMANTEC Institutions, etc.

Dr. Parvez is an efficient and effective information manager and is very energetic library professional who also involves himself in various other professional activities. He is truly a knowledge repository with ability to go in to the minutest details of the tasks that are assigned to him. He leads by example and works diligently and with curiosity to explore new avenues for the betterment of the organisation.

Interview

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please tell something about your background. Also, tell whether you are in LIS profession by chance or by choice?

Dr Akhtar Parvez: I come from a middle-class family, born and brought up in Delhi. I did my library science graduation from Jamia Millia Islamia and PhD. from the University of Delhi. I wanted to become a Chartered Accountant and like many other people; I did not join the LIS profession by choice. My father passed away quite early when I was in the first year of Bachelor of Commerce. Being the eldest son, I had greater responsibilities, I even started thinking of discontinuing my studies and joining my father’s business. However, my mother did not allow this. After completing my graduation in 1987, I was looking for a one-year professional course which could get me a job quickly, this is why I joined BLIS in Jamia. Though I didn’t join this profession by choice, I love my job and I am very proud of it. So, basically, it is because of my mother that I could do this course!

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please share your journey from the American Center to MANUU.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: I am very happy and satisfied whatever little I could achieve in the profession. Let me share some of my experiences with you. During my library science course, I did one-month training at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in May 1988 under Mr. Joseph Sebastian, Librarian, NCAER. During my Library Science course (1987-88 batch), we were taken to the American Center Library (ACL), USIS, New Delhi, for an education tour (around Jan-Feb 1988). I found the ACL a great library and wished if I could get a chance to work there. After a few weeks of our visit, I sent an application for the internship to Ms. Heera Kapasi, the then Library Director, and, fortunately I was selected for 8-months internship programme at the ACL. The internship helped me all my life and is helping me even now. Apart from a clear understanding of library science principles, I was trained for discipline, hard work, sense of equality, self-help and so on.  

I used to be a very shy person and my first boss, Ms. Heera Kapasi realised it quite early. She used to frequently call me in her office and repeatedly ask me 'why don't you speak, Akhtar, what is the problem with you, why don't you join some speaking classes'. I used to quietly listen to all this and promised to her every time that I will start speaking, but interestingly, to her disappointment, it never happened during my internship of 8 months at the ACL. I have no words to thank her for everything she did for me. 

There was no looking back after this. I joined DELNET on contractual basis as its first employee in February 1989. DELNET (initially a project of NISSAT) was operating from Indian International Center (IIC). I was assigned the job of retro-conversion of books of IIC library. In addition to this, I was supposed to train the staff of various libraries situated in Delhi in the use of UNESCO CDS/ISIS software and CCF (Common Communication Format). After a couple of years of my stay at IIC, I witnessed the arrival of email services. To promote email service in the libraries of Delhi, NISSAT provided a good number of modems to DELNET and I was asked to train the librarians of Delhi in the use of email services. When I got an offer from Jamia Millia Islamia for the position of Semi-Professional Assistant, Dr. H.K. Kaul did not allow me to leave and he absorbed me at the IIC on a higher position i.e. Professional Assistant in 1991. DELNET/IIC experience was highly enriching and satisfying. However, in 1995, I started thinking of changing my job and in July 1995, I joined the Investment Information Credit Rating Agency of India (ICRA) as a full-fledged librarian on a very high salary. For me, ICRA proved an excellent workplace, both, in terms of the assignments undertaken by me and also financially. I spent almost 16 years at ICRA and got a chance to work with some of the finest human beings including Mr. P.K. Choudhury, Managing Director; Mr. D.N. Ghosh, Chairman (who is also the former chairman of State Bank of India, Phillips, L&T, etc.), Mr. Saumitra Chaudhuri (former Member of the Planning Commission and PM’s Economic Advisory Council during UPA-1 and UPA-2) and Professor Deepak Nayyar, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi.

In 2010-11, a strange feeling developed in me of working in a premier management institution of the country. Luckily, Librarian position was advertised by IIM Indore in January 2011 and I got selected, it was like a dream come true. Since ICRA was a good paymaster, joining IIM Indore at a lower salary (more than half of ICRA’s salary) was a very big decision and that was one reason which took for me almost five months to decide about the joining. Finally, I joined IIM Indore in July 2011 where I got exposed to some of the finest resources in the world. 

In October 2016, I got an invitation to deliver a lecture during a Refresher Course at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad which finally led to my joining at this University in January 2017. Leaving my IIM Indore colleagues was very painful, my farewell was so emotional that I will never forget that all my life. Had I known that my colleagues had so much respect and love for me (who did not do anything special for them), I would not have left IIM Indore. I am very happy to note that all the library trainees who worked with me at IIMI are doing very well in their career, a bright future awaits them.

During my professional journey starting in 1988, I witnessed several lows and highs in my career. I always looked at the positive side of the coin leaving the negativity behind. Throughout my career, I gave more importance to team-work and made my colleagues feel that their work was as important as mine. Taking people along is very challenging, but this is something which makes you a matured leader. Staying in the news brings popularity but making your colleagues feel happy about what they do, is the key to taking your organizations to the next level.

Dr Preeti Sharda: What are the noticeable changes in the library of Maulana Azad National Urdu University after January 2017?

Dr Akhtar Parvez: many university libraries in India, Maulana Azad National Urdu University library (named as Saiyid Hamid Library) had huge potential for improvement in every area in making the library a better place for library users.

There were a lot of challenges starting from library services, processes, managing human resources, etc. In a couple of months of my joining, I started focusing on some basic issues including training of library staff, improving the quality of catalogue records, developing process of acquisition of books, record keeping, user services, and so on.  The biggest complaint from students and faculty were that they were not able to locate books on bookshelves. The major reason for this complaint was that the record-keeping (classification, cataloguing, shelving, etc.) was not up to the mark. So, we decided to improve the quality of catalogue records. My dedicated team of library staff started editing the catalogue records by physically taking every single book out from the shelf and checking the same for the correctness of bibliographic records.

In 2018, we migrated to KOHA from NewGenLib and it is heartening to note that not a single record/field got lost while migrating the data to KOHA software.

By making the best use of technology and especially the use of MS Office Excel, the complete process of book acquisition was transformed resulting in a significant reduction in the time taken for processing of books.  In this interview, it would not be possible for me to explain how the transformation took place.

Ascertaining loss of books in a library is a very small outcome of any physical stock verification exercise. The major benefit of stock verification exercise is the maintenance of catalogue records. Let me very humbly say that none of the Indian libraries which I know follow the process what we did for conducting the stock verification. Despite the fact that we are supposed to carry out sample stock verification (as per the GFR 2017 guidelines), we carried out three complete stock verification in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The credit for all this, goes to all my library staff.

There were other small steps like more sitting area for students, extended library hours, regular interaction with students and faculty, faster processing of newly acquired books, etc. which witnessed a significant increase in the use of the library by MANUU community. The circulation figure rose by 70-80% compared to the previous year i.e. 2017. However, this is just the beginning, we need to do more for our users and society. 

Dr Preeti Sharda: What differences found between the working in the libraries of Maulana Azad National Urdu University and IIM, Indore?

Dr Akhtar Parvez: This is indeed very interesting and difficult question. Handling IIM Indore library was far less challenging than MANUU in terms of services, HR, finances, etc. Like all other established first-generation IIMs, money is never an issue and we could buy anything which was considered important by the faculty or the Librarian. On the other hand, finances are always scarce in universities, hence, one has to be very careful about the product to be purchased/subscribed. Managing a small number of staff is always easier in IIMs compared to universities. In IIMs, we have well-trained staff whereas the same is not true for people working in university libraries. At IIM Indore, I was supposed to manage one library whereas, being the Nodal Officer of all MANUU libraries, I am supposed to look after a few departmental libraries in MANUU and libraries of satellite campuses of the university. At present, there are 12 satellite campuses located in various cities of the country.

I feel that there is a sea difference in working at IIMs and Universities with regard to the kind of completely different exposures one gets in these institutions. Both have their positives and negatives and I am one of the very few fortunate library professionals who got exposed to various kinds of institutions ranging from the High Commission, private sector, autonomous bodies to the government sector.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please elaborate on your experience about Moot Court Session on “Copyrights and Anti-Plagiarism Vs Fair and Open Access”.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: I am thankful to late Dr. S. Venkadesan of ISB, Hyderabad who invited me to participate in a moot court type session of an international conference on the topic Copyright and Anti-Plagiarism vs Fair and Open Access. It not only proved to be a great learning experience but was also very entertaining. Venky was the accused of copyright infringement and we all were lawyers. I never knew that Venky was such a lively person. At the end of the session, the so-called jury pronounced him guilty of copyright infringement. His passing away in May 2018 was a great loss to the profession. During my train journey from Delhi to ISB Chandigarh to participate in the discussion, I read the whole judgment, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press vs Rameshwari Photocopy Services of 2016. I also read related newspaper reports and editorials on this issue. I feel that the judgment does not give license to library professionals or library users to photocopy books or other materials as has been propagated by some of the teachers and librarians. The Hon. High Court judgment is in a particular context. An editorial published in the Indian Express on October 14, 2016, argued that the ruling in the case reflected the inability of Indian courts to integrate legal outcomes with robust business models and even suggested that the recent verdict suffered from a deeper problem i.e., a serious lack of vision. Hence, I am of the opinion that academic institutions should interpret the judgment in the right spirit and should not consider the court judgment as a license to violate the prevalent copyright and intellectual property norms.  However, I am happy to note that the publishers (Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, UK; Cambridge University Press India Pvt. Ltd.; Taylor & Francis Group, UK; and, Taylor & Francis Books India Pvt. Ltd) decided to withdraw the case against Rameshwari Photocopy from selling photocopies of parts of their books to students as they believed that it was not correct to engage in a legal battle with their stakeholders.

Dr Preeti Sharda: You served as a member of the six members committee of the Indian Library Association on IFLA Project for Translation of Public Libraries Guidelines in 18 Indian Languages. Please tell something about that.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: Oh, that was long back when I was Treasurer of the Indian Library Association (ILA) during the period 2002-2004 & 2004-07. ILA got a project from IFLA for the translation of Public Libraries Guidelines in 18 Indian languages. My role was very limited in the project and all of us at ILA were basically coordinating with various senior librarians and teachers of LIS who contributed immensely in the translation work.

Dr Preeti Sharda: “Akhtar sir sharing a rare moment with the legendary immortal soul: Dr. Kalam”. Please describe this moment in your words.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: It is extremely difficult for me to express my feelings about my brief interaction with Kalam Sahab at IIM Indore in 2012. I never thought that there will be a time in my life when I will be able to meet someone who is an ideal for every Indian citizen including me. It was not even like a dream come true. In our brief interaction, he asked me so many questions about the library and; I believe that I was able to give him satisfactory answers. India will always miss this great soul.

Dr Preeti Sharda: In LIS field so many awards have come up. Rather it has become a give and take a job. Please comment.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: You are absolutely right. In every conference we find that awards are given, not one but many awards to make people happy. I genuinely feel that if we continue giving awards to so many people who do not have any significant contribution to the profession, nobody will value such awards. And, it has started showing up. However, it is still not too late, we should introspect

Dr Preeti Sharda: You have served as general secretary of MANLIBNET for many years. This professional body has initiated several activities including offering international travel grant to library professionals. How its functioning different form other LIS associations.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: MANLIBNET was started in the year 2000 and let me acknowledge that all the members of Executive Council in different tenures played their role in making this body a success. Initiated by late Shri Ashok Jambhekar, former Librarian, IIM Ahmedabad, MANLIBNET has matured as one of the most professional LIS associations today. With regard to your question as to how it is different from other bodies, I would like to say that all our awards/recognitions (International Travel Grant, Best Librarian Award, Best Paper Award, etc.) are given only to deserving candidates. Secondly, we truly work on no profit no loss basis and our aim is to contribute to the profession and not to make profit out of MANLIBNET’s activities. Our Librarians Development Programmes (LDPs) are unique programmes of MANLIBNET with an objective of training those librarians who work in remote areas.

Dr Preeti Sharda: How important are the Refresher Course for LIS professionals?

Dr Akhtar Parvez: Extremely important in my opinion provided that the participants are serious about learning and organizers ensure that they are doing justice to the process of learning by inviting learned teachers/librarians to deliver the content. Unfortunately, some UGC-HRDCs focus more on discipline than the content, there needs to be proper balance of both.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Among your friends, you are known for your patience and persistence, goodness and calmness, positivity and happiness. Comment.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: I am very thankful to my friends and well-wishers for their kindness. I do not want take the risk of naming them as I may miss out to mention some of them. I value them a lot and they know it.

Dr Preeti Sharda: Please tell how some innovations can be brought in LIS profession.

Dr Akhtar Parvez: There is a huge scope for bringing innovations in libraries for improving user services. Innovative processes in every section of the library starting with Acquisition, Cataloguing, Circulation, etc. can bring in efficiency in our libraries. I always say that good libraries are those which develop innovative processes and are process driven, and not those which are dependent on librarians and library staff. I am and will keep propagating to my professional friends that developing innovative processes leads to user empowerment.  

Dr Preeti Sharda: What are your views with regard to the unethical practices by LIS professionals?

Dr Akhtar Parvez: Unfortunately, we have given up all the values our parents and teachers inculcated in us. Every now and then we hear about corrupt practices people follow in every profession. Apart from financial corruption, in my opinion, If I am not doing the job that has been assigned to me (for which I am paid for) is also corruption.  

Dr Preeti Sharda: Any suggestion for upcoming librarians and your final thoughts

Dr Akhtar Parvez: Honesty, humbleness, commitment and dedication to the profession and organisations we work for, will make us good human beings, and of course, good librarians. There are no shortcuts to success and wisdom. Make libraries process driven and not person driven. Never forget that the library user is the King and libraries are service organisations.

I take this opportunity to thank Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU; Prof Rishikesha Krishnan, IIM Bangalore; Dr. N. Ravichandran, former Director, IIM Indore; Mr. D.N. Ghosh, former Chairman, ICRA; Mr. P.K. Choudhury, former Group CEO, ICRA; Dr. H. K. Kaul; Prof SP Singh; Ms. Heera Kapasi; Prof Shahabuddin Ansari and Prof Khalid Kamal Faruqi who contributed to my personal and professional development all these years. My wife and children have always been very supportive of all my decisions I took in my career.

I also take this opportunity to thank you, Madam for your support during the whole interview process and for making me so comfortable.

Please accept my sincerest thanks and best wishes to you and your family.

(It was a great honour to take interview of a dedicated, very humble and a very hardworking professional like Dr. Akhtar Parvez. Thank you so much, Dr. Parvez, for sparing time from your busy schedule).

Dr Badan Barman: A Professional with Innovative Vision

Interviewer: Dr. Preeti Sharda

Dr. Badan Barman, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University is rendering his excellent service for the upliftment of the library profession throughout India by his valuable contributions. He is very hardworking and a dedicated professional. He is widely known in India and abroad in the field of Library and Information Science for innovative use of web technologies in the field. 


His popular websites include “LIS Links” (http://www.lislinks.com), “Free Online CBSE UGC NET Guide Book” (http://www.netugc.com), etc. His LIS Links project was included in the 200 Tech Success Stories compiled by the PC Quest magazine, June 2010. The LIS Links project able to receive “Jury Special Mention” award in the category of “Best Usages of ICT in Education and Learning” in the E-North East Award 2011 held at Kohima, Nagaland (India). It also received “Jury Special Mention” award in the category of Advocacy & Empowerment in the North East Social Impact Award 2015 held at NEDFi House, Guwahati, Assam (India) on 28th August 2015.

Dr. Badan Barman is BSc (Botany) from Guwahati College with 15th Position in 2003, MLISc from the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University with 1st position in 2005. He was awarded Ph.D. in Library and Information Science by Gauhati University in the year 2011 for his thesis “Web Resources in Library and Information Science: A Managerial Approach” under the guideship of Professor Narendra Lahkar. He completed one Major Research Project on “Application of Information Communication Technologies in Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University: A Road Ahead” jointly with Dr. Arupjyoti Choudhury and Dr. Ankuran Dutta. He completed two Minor Research Projects entitled “Open Access E-Journal Portal of KKHSOU” and “Old Examination Question Papers of KKHSOU: Making it Accessible to the Learners”. The first edition of his book “Library and Information Science: UGC-NET Guide” was sold out within one year of its release and the “Library and Information Science: UGC-NET Guide”, 2nd Revised and Enlarged Edition (with objective type questions and answers) of the book was sold out within two years’ time from publication. 

He also compiled and self-published “Directory of Library and Information Science Teachers in India” in the year 2016.

He was recently Felicitated for his contributions towards LIS Profession by the Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development (RSSWLD) at the Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP) on March 2, 2019.



Interview

1. Dr Preeti Sharda: Tell us a little about yourself. 

Dr. Badan Barman: I am the middle son of Shri Joykanta Barman and Smt Joymati Barman. My father used to be a daily laborer who in the mid-1980s migrated from Nalbari district of Assam to Guwahati, Assam in search for a job. So, I have enrolled in a government-run Lower Primary School in Kachua village of Nalbari District and later on took admission in Class-II in the government-run Krishnanagar L.P. School, Guwahati. After passing from the Krishnanagar L.P. School, I got admitted to a local venture school called Krishnanagar Vidyapeeth. During those days, when there were holidays, even I used to work as a daily laborer to help my father in his attempt to run the family. At that time, my elder brother used to work as a cleaner in a local hotel. Till 1997, no one able to pass the Class X examination from Krishnanagar Vidyapeeth school. So, to motivate the students to pass in the Class X examination, some eminent residents of the Krishnangar area announced cash prize money. I got a 1st class in my Class X examination from that school in 1997 and by this way, I got that cash prize money and with that, I took admission in the B. Borooah College in the Higher Secondary (Science). My job as a daily laborer used to continue in those days. I passed Higher Secondary (Science) in the second division and with my earnings, I took admission in B.Sc. (Botany Major) in Guwahati College. At that time my brother’s mothers-in-law gave me a new bicycle to come and go to the college which used to be almost 6 kilometers away from my residence. After passing B.Sc. with 1st division, I approach Mr. Debendra Nath Bhattacharyya sir, Associate Professor of Guwahati College for mentorship in choosing a better career. My inclination was only to the subject where I can get a job in the future. Mr. Debendra Nath Bhattacharyya sir told me to go for a master degree in Library and Information Science. At that time though I was interested in higher studies, I used to have no money to take admission in the Master degree. However, I have appeared in the written test and viva-voce of the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University and accordingly got selected. Some of our neighbors like Mr. Pramod Kakati, Mr. Satyen Talukdar, Mr. Maheshchandra Mahanta and others draw the attention of the Honourable Education Minister of Assam of that time Mr. Pankaj Bora regarding my incapability to take admission in Master degree programme due to weak financial condition. In a meeting organized by the Krishnanagar Unnayan Samiti, Mr. Pankaj Bora called me to his office at Assam Secretariat and accordingly when I went to his office he handed over to me an envelope that when I opened I found the admission fees for taking admission in the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University and then there were no turning back. Later on, I have enrolled in the Ph.D. programme of the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University under the able-guideship of Professor Narendra Lahkar and during those days I used to get the fellowship from Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi and finally, I got Ph.D. in 2011.

2. Dr. Preeti Sharda: How long have you worked in the LIS Profession and how did you get your start in it?

Dr. Badan Barman: Just after appearing Master degree examination in Library and Information Science in 2005, I started working in different capacities in different institute without taking a major break. Immediately after appearing my Master degree examination in Library and Information Science, Gauhati University, Professor Narendra Lahkar nominated me along with Mr. Nikhil Hazarika to work as Apprenticeship in Library and Information Science at Central Reference Library (CRL), Kolkata. I got my examination result of M.L.I.Sc. examination while working as Apprenticeship at CRL, Kolkata. After returning back, I joined as Research Assistant in the ICSSR sponsored research project “Rural Libraries in North East India: A Machine Readable Database” where Professor Narendra Lahkar was the Project Director. Later on, for a short duration, I worked at Media Trust Assam and then joined as Academic Consultant in Library and Information Science at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University.

3. Dr. Preeti Sharda: What changes you have brought in the department since your inception?

Dr. Badan Barman: Just after joining the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University with the active support of Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mridul Hazarika sir, then Registrar, Dr. Suresh Kumar Nath sir and Secretary, University Classes, Dr. Hemanta Kr. Nath sir a Transactional SMS Channel of Gauhati University was developed through which all the staff and faculty members of the university start receiving updates related to the university via SMS. Later on, the Gauhati University published my compilation of the Directory of the Teachers and Officers of Gauhati University in printed as well as a digital version where you can find the contact details of the teachers and staff of the University. The contact detail includes the official address and address of residence along with the mobile number and email id. Further, the directory is arranged in such a way so that when needed, people can just make a photocopy of the directory and paste the official address or residential address at the top of a regular letter envelope.

In the department level, besides regular teaching, I think, I have done only one thing and that is managing contact details of the students, alumni, and history of the department and development of its website. At any moment when needed, now we are in a better position and develop a better way to contact anyone.

4. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Pen down some major accomplishments during your stay at the Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University.

Dr. Badan Barman: I joined Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University on 12th June 2008 as Academic Consultant and Librarian i/c on a contractual basis. On 4th April 2013, I have joined as Assistant Librarian in a permanent post in the same institute. During my tenure in different capacities at KKHSOU, the university has seen the following changes-

1. Preparation of the syllabus of Diploma in Library and Information Science Programme.
2. Writing of all the course material for the Diploma in Library and Information Science Programme.
3. Promotion of the Diploma programme by using all personal and professional avenues and in my days it used to have the most successful diploma programme of all other diploma programmes offered by the University, good employability rate and used to have foreign students.
4. The Central Library, KKHSOU becomes the first university in entire North East India which was fully RFID-enabled, automated with SOUL 2.0 software, had an enriched collection with well-furnished furniture and fittings.
5. Launching of the legacy free edition of Google Apps and later on its migration to Google Apps for Education (presently known as GSuite for Education).
6. Connectivity to National Knowledge Network (NKN).
7. Launching of Open Access Journals Search Engine (OAJSE) that still used from many countries of the World.
8. Scanning and hosting of old examination questions papers.
9. Becoming a YouTube Partner.
10. Launching of Transactional SMS Channel of KKHSOU.
11. Launching of KKHSOU Knowledge Hub and KKHSOU Job Portal both of which are presently defunct but during those days it used to have more than 50,000 subscribers and KKHSOU Job Portal even received e-North East Award.
12. Getting ISBN for the publications of the university.

5. Dr Preeti Sharda: Why did you start LIS Links?

Dr. Badan Barman: Professor Nagubandi Laxman Rao of Osmani University has visited the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University as part of an academic assignment in the year 2007. To make him comfortable here in Guwahati, the department has given me the responsibility to look after him. During our informal interaction, he asked me what I wanted to do after my master degree in Library and Information Science. I spontaneously replied to him that I wanted to do the Ph.D. He warned me not to take a topic that does not contribute anything to the subject. So, when I have registered for the Ph.D. programme, I kept the words of Laxman Rao sir in my mind and accordingly select “Web Resources in Library and Information Science: A Managerial Approach” as my topic under Professor Narendra Lahkar. At that time, as part of Ph.D. I have developed a few blog and wiki sites to manage different web resources in Library and Information Science. During that time, Google announced the launching of Google Knol on December 13, 2007, and someone has developed a social networking site for it over the Ning platform. When I noticed the social networking site of Google Knol over Ning, it immediately drew my attention as I wanted to have such a site instead of my six blogs and two wiki sites at that moment and accordingly I have developed a Ning site on 26th of February, 2008 and Google formally launched Google Knol on July 23, 2008 and later on it was shut down on May 1, 2012.

6. Dr Preeti Sharda: What is the current status of LIS Links? 

Dr Badan Barman: As on 25th March 2019, LIS Links has 25,974 members, 9,919 forum posts, 7,151 job posts, 1,284 event posts, 1,508 photos, and other contents. Among all websites LIS Links, Global Alexa rank is 102,032 and in India, it is at 6,987 positions. During the period of Mar 25, 2018-Mar 24, 2019 (1 year) LIS Links receive 38,59,231 Pageviews from 5,51,699 Users in 12,31,359 Sessions. The Pages / Session was 3.13 and the average session duration was 00:16:34. 

7. Dr Preeti Sharda: Impact of LIS Links on Indian Library Sector

Dr Badan Barman: “LIS Links” is considered as a huge success and a pioneering effort in the Library and Information Science field in India.  It brings all Library and Information Science related information into a systematic order for searching and browsing with many provisions of subscriptions that too, without any duplication and irrelevance. It is India’s first and largest social networking and collaborating initiative platform for LIS professionals. It makes the following impact among the professionals-

1. Act as Gateway: “LIS Links” is serving as a gateway or single-point access to the Indian LIS profession for the whole world. All information can be searched and browsed by using its website.
2. Functioning as Online Database of LIS Professionals: The project achieved an online database of 25,975 LIS Professionals (as on 25th March 2019) in India that’s too continuously growing. The members of the database can be searched and browsed using the web interface.
3. Functioning as Communication Medium: The members of the database are able to communicate among themselves by chat, scrap message, Email, discussion forum, groups, blog, event, photo, music, video, etc.
4. Duplication and Irrelevancy are Avoided: “LIS Links” policy is rather quite tight in approving contents over the site. Customarily, it doesn’t approve plagiarized, duplicate and irrelevant contents over the website.
5. Information is Disseminated in a High Speed: The information that goes through moderation is distributed in seconds to the respective subscribers/followers. 
6. Large Number of Subscribers: “LIS Links” gives a mechanism by which the LIS students, research scholar, academicians, and practicing librarians and lastly the people with an interest in LIS can get free Alerting Service / Current Awareness Service (CAS) / Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) services through SMS, Email and RSS in all subfield of LIS.
7. Frequently Updated: The news clipping and other information regularly displayed over the platform are updated daily. The important posts are also shared in Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.
8. Highly Acclaimed: PC Quest Magazine, June 2009 in its nomination of the LIS Links project to the PC Quest Best IT Implementations of the Year 2009

“Online Portal and Web-Based Solutions” category commented as “this initiative has made this portal one of India’s best in LIS and among a very few in the world” (PC Quest 2009).

Again, in the PC Quest June 2010 issue, LIS Links was included among 200 Tech success stories.

The LIS Links project was also able to receive “Jury Special Mention” award in the category of “Best Usages of ICT in Education and Learning” in the E-North East Award 2011 held at Kohima, Nagaland (India).

It recieved eNorth East Award-2014 on 7 November 2014 confered by North East Development Foundation and Department of ICT, Government of Mizoram.

It also received “Jury Special Mention” award in the category of Advocacy & Empowerment in the North East Social Impact Award 2015 held at NEDFi House, Guwahati, Assam (India) on 28th August 2015.

8. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Today LIS profession is facing so many problems, especially for the people who are working with the private organizations; I would say the cause lies in roots from where the foundation of the profession is made (LIS Schools). There is a huge gap between what LIS students study and what LIS professional actually do. Please comment.

Dr. Badan Barman: Yes, you are right; there is a huge difference between what we taught them and what they supposed to do after their employment. In most of the institutions, there is a huge difference between the syllabus of the programme and its application in real life, in some institution, the difference is less, however, the difference is always there. You can consider it like, if they need in real life is 100%, the institution covers 80% of the content in their syllabus and out of that 80%, they covered, 80% of the syllabus is taught in the class [making it (80/100) * 80=64% of the total need] and again out of that 80%, most of the student only able to cover 80% (making it (64/100) * 80=51.2%]. So, they go to the market with only 51.2% of the knowledge which is needed in their real life.

However, this is not only true for the Library and Information Science subject. Even this is true for other truly professional subjects. That is why there is a need to have the apprenticeship courses just after the Master degree programme in Library and Information Science.

9. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Any concluding remarks.

Dr. Badan Barman: We are living in a world full of distractor and in India, majorities of the population are cricket addiction patients, a major fraction of others are suffering from video gaming disorder, problematic social media use, TV and Web-Series addict and alcohol, and drug addict. To be able to do something, you should be free from those addicts and be self-motivated and determined to achieve your set target. Otherwise, there is every chance that you will be thrown-away from your aim by your surrounding including your virtual and real friend. So, keep motivated, keep reading, and keep working instead of being busy with your smartphone. Otherwise, it’s not going to lead anywhere other than your own end and then don’t blame anyone. Those who are student or research scholar can devote their time for their primary objective i.e. reading. Those who are qualified and unemployed in Library and Information Science instead of being busy with other distractor and looking for people who can employ them can explore the possibilities of using the internet for livelihood generation.

(The interview was conducted by Dr. Preeti Sharda, Librarian of Regional Institute of English, Chandigarh. It was a great honour to take interview of a dedicated and a very hardworking professional like Dr. Badan Barman. Some of the questions are still to be answered but Dr. Barman has promised to complete the interview very soon. Thank you so much, Dr. Barman, for sparing time from your busy schedule).