Friday 19 June 2020

Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: A Celebrity Librarian

Professor Ramesh C. Gaur is presently Dean & Director (Library & Information) & Head-Kala Nidhi Division at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. During the period October 2011-January 2018, he was the University Librarian, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India. His past assignments include Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), CRRI-CSIR, RIS, New Delhi, Management Development Institute (MDI), and IMT Ghaziabad, etc. A Fulbright Scholar (VT, USA), Prof  Gaur has visited 24 countries. Prof Gaur has been honored/received 12 awards in recognition of his exemplary work. Dr. Gaur is the first Indian nominated as Member- International Advisory Committee (IAC) UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme. He is also a member of the Expert Consultation Committee for setting up of International Centre on Documentary Heritage (ICDH) in South Korea. 
He is a member of many other important national and international professional bodies. Important affiliations include Member-Governing Council INFLIBNET, Member of Research Council (RC) for CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi (formerly INSDOC), Member-International Consultative Committee on Digital Dunhuang, China, NDLTD Board of Directors, Member of UGC National Committee for Implementation of Submission and Access to Electronic Theses and Dissertations in Universities in India, Member Governing Council-INFLIBNET, Member-National Advisory Board-E-Shodh Sindhu National Consortia, Member of various Committees of International Federations of Library Associations (IFLA), Member Databib Advisory Board, USA. 
Prof Gaur is an action figure and, travels around the world for giving lectures and sharing his expertise in the LIS field. He is one of the globally renowned librarians who believe in letting his actions speak louder than words. He is in view that libraries need to align themselves with the changing times and user expectations and works relentlessly towards introducing innovations in the digital world in his library. He feels strongly about digital preservation and understands that archived material is important for today and future research. Prof. Gaur’s contribution to his chosen field has received appreciation and recognition both within India as well as overseas. This is a conversation between Prof Ramesh C Gaur and Dr. Preeti Sharda. This interview is a kind of bio-sketch of Prof Guar. He has very elaborately talked about his personal and professional life.

Interview

1. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please tell me something about your background. Why did you decide to become a Librarian?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: I wanted to be a mathematician as I was very good at mathematics, but unfortunately,  I got the lowest marks in it and the highest marks in chemistry in class XII. Hence I joined B.Sc (Chemistry Honors) in 1985 in Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI), New Delhi. After securing First class in B.Sc examinations, I joined M.Sc (Chemistry) at Delhi University in 1988. After a few months, I also got admission in the pioneer batch of Post B.Sc Diploma in Computer Applications in JMI. I had an opportunity to work on a project 'Development of Library Automation Software using Debase III Plus' at the Water and Land Management Institute (Up Govt.) Okhla. During the project work, I closely watched the functioning of a library. One more twist came in my life. I was denied renewal of all route DTC Bus pass. I needed a regular study course to make a bus pass. These reasons forced me to join an Evening course - BLIS at JMI in 1989. Results of both Post B.Sc. Diploma in Computer Applications and BLIS was declared simultaneously. At this point of time, I had to take a final decision about my future, a career in Chemistry or Computer Science or Library and Information Science. I was not keen on a career in the field of chemistry, so for the next six months tried my best in the other two fields. Many offers came in both the fields but destiny took me towards librarianship and ultimately I joined my first job as Assistant Information Officer (Librarian) at Eicher Research Centre, Faridabad on February 22, 1991.

2. Dr. Preeti Sharda: It has been more than a year you joined your present position. What positive changes you have brought at Kalanidhi at Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi (in the library as well as at the Centre)?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: After re-joining IGNCA in January 2018, my focus was on restarting from where I left while going on deputation at JNU. This includes the starting of work on the creation of a digital repository, strengthening of a book discussion programme, redesigning of collection development policy, restarting of acquisition of personal collections, Memory of the World Programme, etc. Moreover, by now my foreign engagements also increased because I was nominated as a member of many International Committees. I am also trying to strengthen the 'UNESCO Memory of the World Programme in India'.  Under MoW, a project on the Mapping of Archives in India has also been undertaken. 
I have been appointed the first Dean of IGNCA. As a Dean, several new academic programmes have been introduced by me. I am also working on various research collaborations with National and International Universities. 

3. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You have introduced new Certificate Courses for LIS professionals at IGNCA. Please give details about them.
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: IGNCA has started five Certificate Courses and six new PG Diploma courses within the last two years. Out of these, two courses one on 'Research Methodology' and another on 'Open Access for Library Professionals' is my brainchild. Research Methodology Certificate Course of IGNCA is one of the preferred courses and many faculty of different colleges and universities, Ph.D. students, freelancers, and researchers have joined this course in past.  'Post-Graduate Diploma Course on Digital Library and Data Management' is specifically designed for BLIS & MLIS students with a special focus on training them on emerging Library Tools and Technologies. A Post Graduate Diploma Course in Manuscriptology and Palaeography has also been introduced to impart training on how to preserve and keep ancient scripts alive. This course is very beneficial for Sanskrit students who want to learn ancient scripts such as Pali, Prakrit, Sharda, Brahmi, and Modi, etc.

4. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You worked as the University Librarian, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi before your present engagement. What constructive changes were made at the JNU library during your tenure?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: I joined JNU on October 11, 2011. After taking a round of library, I start ed meeting every staff of the library. I also met some important university authorities and took feedback about the library. Based on my assessment, I prepared an action plan and my first proposal was to reconstitute the Library Advisor Committee.
I requested Prof. Sopory, Vice-Chancellor, JNU to preside over the Library Advisory Committee meeting. I presented my assessment report and action plan in the meeting. I remember his first words, “Ramesh you go ahead my fill support to you”. He kept his promise and until he was in JNU none of my proposals was turned down. He ensured me full autonomy and financial & administrative support. He had full faith in me and I am glad that I was able to live up to his expectations. In his farewell speech in JNU court meeting he spoke more than 15 minutes about the transformation of Central Library, JNU during his and my tenure. Most significant and constructive changes made at the JNU library during my tenure were:

  1. Development of new AC reading halls, with comfortable furniture and good ambiance. Till now JNU Library is the only Library where more than 400 laptop charging stations are available with the reading tables;
  2. Major renovation work of the Library;
  3. 24x7 Reading and Research facility was made available for all;
  4. Cataloging of over 2 lakh Books (Many foreign languages publications and creation of centralized cataloging of all departmental libraries;
  5. Implementing WebOpac facility'
  6. Designed interactive library website using Drupal;
  7. Provided Remote Access facility Using EZproxy;
  8. Provided Web-scale discover services using EDS – JNU was the first Library to do it;
  9. Acquired over 4 Lakhs eBooks;
  10. Subscribed over 35 new online databases;
  11. Weeded-off all old library scrapped material and contributed 16.4 Lakhs in JNU funds;
  12. Got a sanction Rs. 50 Lakhs under CSR from RECL for purchase of Laptops for visually impaired students;
  13. Facilitated in getting a sanction about Rs 30 Lakhs under CSR from BHEL for purchase of a vehicle for persons with disabilities;
  14. Got sponsorship of about one crore for the organizing of conferences and seminars at JNU
  15. Got library racks from IIT Delhi and saved Rs 40 lakhs of JNU;
  16. Got a sanction of 27.5 Lakhs from UGC / INFLIBNET for the digitization of theses and dissertations;
  17. Completed Digitization project by digitizing approx. 22000 Ph.D. theses and m.phil dissertations; 
  18. Digitized 7.5 Lakhs Press (Newspaper ) clippings;
  19. Created State of Art facilities for persons with visual impairment;
  20. Institutionalized Barrier-free access to persons with disabilities;
  21. Accessible Toilet;
  22. Installation of fire fighting system; 
  23. Created over 600 additional seating capacity in the library;
  24. Filled about 35 vacant positions in Library. All promotions were done on time.
A more detailed report in this regard is available on my Facebook page.

5. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You have undertaken so many assignments. In your 27 years’ professional career, you have published research papers, delivered lectures, authored/edited books, undertake some important projects. If I ask about one accomplishment for which Prof. Ramesh C Gaur will be remembered in the future in LIS fraternity, what is that?

Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: There are many such accomplishments which I feel proud of and also believe that these will be remembered in the future by  LIS fraternity.  I am the first Indian nominated to many International Committees such as the International Advisory Committee of UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, Cultural Heritage, Programme Advisory Committee of IFLA, and many more. Transformation of JNU Library from the traditional one to a world-class library is one of the most accomplished tasks of my professional journey so far. My work at JNU was acclaimed by both JNU Community and LIS Community. I received great respect and recognition for my work from everyone including LIS Professionals in India. My contributions in establishing and highlighting the role of librarians and libraries in plagiarism detection, and avoidance, digitization and digital preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of the concept of Electronic Theses and Dissertations in India, reengineering management applications in libraries, and assistive technologies and support services for persons with various disabilities. I was the founder convenor of Ranganathan Research Circle (RRC) and its Lifetime Trustee within 2 years of joining the LIS profession, and one of the founder members of Management Libraries Network (MANLIBNET), Association of Media Libraries and Archives (AMLA). 

6. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You have been nominated for so many awards and facilitation. Your bag includes prestigious awards like  ‘IASLIC- S M Ganguly Best Librarian award for the year 2007’; ‘Satkal Young Librarian award for year 2009’; ‘Indian Library Leaders: Award for Professional Excellence-2013 by Satija Research Foundation for Library and Information Science (SRFLIS), India’; ‘Professional Excellence Award 2015 by ADR Publications’; ‘RSC India librarians choice award for “Dynamic Librarian” by Royal Society of Chemistry, 2017’; ‘8th NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards 2017 for innovative services to Persons with Disabilities’; Central Government Library Association (CGLA) honoured with Best Library Leader Award., Honoured with India CSR Dr. Velaga Memorial Awards for Innovative Library Services (Leadership) for the year 2019 for the promotion of Library & Information Services and for providing leadership for various Innovations in the field, The “Most Fabulous Global Knowledge Management Leader’’ 2020 award at Global Knowledge Management Congress & Awards | World HRD Congress 2020 | on 15th February 2020  and many more. So, by your understanding, what do you think got you these accolades?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: For me, the real honour and award is the love and affection of users of libraries and my colleagues wherever I have worked. My users include scientists at CRRI, researchers at RIS, management faculty and students of IMT Ghaziabad and MDI, scientists and researchers at TIFR, scholars and other users at IGNCA and Faculty, students, and researchers of JNU and library staff of all these institutions. When faculty and students of JNU say “We miss you in JNU”, when students and faculty of IMT Ghaziabad remember and acknowledge my contributions even after 20 years of my leaving IMT, when MDI faculty still remember me although my tenure was of just 5 months, I feel grateful. My colleagues started weeping and it was difficult to stop my emotions too, while I was leaving IMT, TIFR, JNU. When my all past bosses say that I performed much better than their expectations, this is the real award for me. My email boxes and memories are full of appreciations received during my past assignments. In my farewell at JNU, 
Prof. Mahapatra said "in 6+ years of your stay at JNU there was not a single complaint against library or librarian from the faculty, staff or students".
 Such is unbelievable in the university like JNU, this is my most remarkable achievement and real honour /award.

7. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You are also a recipient of ‘Turnitin Global Innovation Awards 2017: Honorable Mention Category: Writing with Integrity | Asia’. You started talking about plagiarism very early and today you are one of the most sought-after speakers to talk about plagiarism, its detection and avoidance, and academic integrity in India. How did you get this insight?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: I do not have any hesitation in claiming that I am the first librarian in India who started sensitizing researchers about plagiarism, detection, and avoidance and talking about the role of the library and librarians in academic and research integrity. In the year 2012, I started various programmes and activities on plagiarism at JNU. I was among the first ones to organize National Workshop on plagiarism. This all started when I analyzed various issues related to plagiarism. I found that these issues are fully matching with domain in Library and Librarians. Librarians are the best person to help researchers in avoiding plagiarism. My work also got recognition from the Ministry of HRD and UGC as I was made a member of the Plagiarism Draft Regulation Committee of UGC.  I was the only Librarian in that Committee and always delighted for my contribution in preparing Plagiarism Draft Regulation 2018. (Recently an interview of Prof Gaur was published on Open interview forum regarding his views about Plagiarism Detection Software) 

8. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please share your experience about your chapter in the 3rd edition of Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences published by Taylor and Francis, USA.
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: Prof. Krishan Kumar was my teacher at the University of Delhi, invited me to join him to write a chapter for the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. I am happy that I was able to live up to his expectations.

9. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You are a member of many committees formed by the Ministry of Culture Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Government of India, and other bodies. You have also acted as an Expert Member/Examiner/Member of Committee to the various professional bodies and Institutions. Please mention some of the important decisions you have facilitated, which can help the LIS professionals to grow.
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: As I have served/serving over 300 International and National committees in various capacities,  there is a long list of such decisions taken on various occasions.  Some of the important decisions taken or I was instrumental which may benefits / benefitted  Library Professional are as follows: -
  1. In a meeting of the Governing Board of Delhi Public Library, one of the agendas was to change the prerequisite qualification of the post of Director General of Delhi Public Library. The Chairman of the DPL Board wanted DG post should be open to all. Even a person without a LIS background should be made eligible to apply for the post.  I stood against it in the meeting and compelled the Board members to keep DG Post reserved for a Library Science professional only. 
  2. For many years I have been part of various Selection Committees and played an acknowledgeable role in the recruitment of 1000s of professionals. During the selection process, I always ensure that the best person should be selected as I believe that human investment is the most important investment and one right or wrong decision can change the fate of the respective institution.   
  3. As a member of the UGC Plagiarism Draft Regulation Committee, I was able to convince the Committee members to set a definite role of Libraries and Librarians in creating awareness about plagiarism and avoiding it. 
  4. Even in the International bodies like UNESCO, IFLA, etc, my contributions are well-received and well- recognized.  As a delighted Indian, I have always try to keep India’s flag high.

10. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please share your experience about being the first Indian member of the International Advisory Committee UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme and a member of UNESCO International Centre for Documentary Heritage (ICDH).
Prof. Ramesh  C Gaur: I first Indian to be nominated as an Expert Member of the Cultural Heritage Programme Advisory Committee of the International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) (https://www.ifla.org/node/10284). The Committee consists of two Experts Members and six ex-officio members of the IFLA Sections, such as Preservation and Conservation, rare books and special collection, indigenous matters, audiovisual and multimedia sections, and representatives of IFLA Governing Body, including IFLA Secretary-General as Voting Member. Aims and objectives of the Committee are to advise the IFLA Governing Body on the strategy, priorities, and activities of the global cultural heritage. It also helps in the formation of policy development and advocacy in areas related to global cultural heritage. It also helps in the implementation of IFLA principles of engagement of library-related activities of disaster risk reduction and times of conflicts, crises, or cultural disaster. This Committee also develops collaborative partnerships with UNESCO PERSIST project and other UNESCO programmes, ICCROM, and other international organizations working on the preservation of, and access to cultural heritage.
Prior to this, in January 2018, I was appointed Member of the International Advisory Committee (IAC) of the UNESCO Memory of World (MoW) Programme (https://en.unesco.org/programme/mow/iac). The UNESCO MoW helps in the preservation of documentary heritage by inscribing to International Register, Regional Register, and National Registers. I represent Asia Pacific Region in this Committee and I am the only Indian to be indicted as Member of this prestigious Committee so far.  Besides this, I have also got an opportunity to act as National Coordinator for UNESCO Expert Groups on the MoW programme in India.  I am also responsible for the implementation of this programme under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, as the IGNCA has been made the nodal agency for the same in India.
I am fortunate enough for having served as an Expert Member in the International Committee on Setting up of UNESCO International Centre of Documentary  Heritage in South Korea  (http://www.unescoicdh.org/eng/main.php). As an Expert Member of the International Expert Consultative  Committee of Digital Dunhuang, I was invited to China to help in their project and, I made significant contributions between 2016-2019.

11.  Dr. Preeti Sharda: You were the first one who introduced to ETDs in 2003 at Virginia Tech as a Fulbright Scholar. You carried forward and organized the first-ever ETD event in India i.e. National Seminar on ‘Managing Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)' on 22-23 March 2012. Please share your experience.
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination, and preservation of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). Global ETD Search (http://search.ndltd.org/) of NDLTD is one of the largest Union Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations. Approximately five million records are available in it. 
I was introduced to ETDs/NDLTD by its founder, Prof. Edward A. Fox during my visit as a Fulbright Scholar Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, the USA in the year 2003. I attended a few meetings of NDLTD at the University of Tennessee, Washington with Prof. Fox. 
I lost all connection with ETDs/NDLTD for about eight years after I returned to India.  After joining IGNCA in 2005, I was made a part of a committee preparing a Draft Regulation for the preservation of theses, and later on, I was also nominated as a member of the National Committee for Implementation of Electronic Theses and Dissertations constituted by University Grants Commission. 
I got reconnected with ETDs/NDLTD as the University Librarian of JNU in 2011. I was nominated for the INFLIBNET Committee constituted for the Implementation of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. With the support of INFLIBNET, I organized the first-ever National Conference on Managing Electronic Theses and Dissertations in 2012 at JNU. Dr. Vinod Chachra one of the Board of Directors of NDLTD was the Chief Guest at the Seminar. He requested me to join the NDLTD Board of Directors which I happily agreed upon. In August 2013 I become one of the NDLTD Board of Directors (http://www.ndltd.org/directory/board-of-directors and member- Executive, membership, award, and communication). Later in the year 2016, I was nominated as Chair of the NDLTD Conference Committee (http://www.ndltd.org/a/ndltd.org/ndltd/directory/committees-and-working-groups/conferences-committee). 
After Prof Shalini Urs, I am the second Indian to be part of NDLTD. Being a member I have attended various NDLTD Board Meetings and Conferences, presented invited talks/ conducted workshops or/ and chaired sessions in following ETD Conferences: -
  1. ETD 2013 Conference held at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. https://lib.hku.hk/etd2013/about.html
  2. ETD 2014 Conference held at the University of Leicester, UK. https://www2.le.ac.uk/library/etd2014
  3. ETD 2015 Conference was hosted by me at JNU during November 2015. http://www.etd2015india.in/ It was one of the most successful ETD Conferences and was attended by 400 participants.  
  4. ETD 2016 Conference was held University of Lily, France. https://etd2016.sciencesconf.org/
  5. ETD 2018 Conference held at the National Central Library of Taiwan in Taiwan. https://etd2018.ncl.edu.tw/en/
  6. ETD 2019 Conference held at Porto University in Portugal. http://etd2019.upt.pt/
The next ETD 2020 Conference is scheduled for November 8-10 at United Arab Emirates University at Abu Dhabi, UAE. 
My Contributions to ETDs and Shodhganga e-Thesis Repository https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/ and ETDs at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi:
I contributed immensely to the creation, promotion, and making open access of ETDs including formulations of guidelines and policies. Since 2005, I was part of all UGC and INFLIBNET Committees constituted from time to time. I and Dr Jagdish Arora were two common names in all the Committees. Later on, remarkable contributions have been made by the team comprising Dr. Jagdish Arora and Mr. Manoj K in the creation of Shodhganga. 
During my professional career concerning the ETDs, I contributed most as a JNU Librarian. I digitized over 22000 Theses and Dissertations there and made them online and accessible on the Intranet. All PhDs were also uploaded at Shodhganga. During my tenure at JNU, it was for the first time that University uploaded all theses and dissertations to the portal. When I signed an agreement with INFLIBNET, only a few thousands of e-theses were uploaded. For many years JNU remained at the top with the largest number of e-theses on Shodhganga. I also helped JNU for the development of e-Theses Tracking systems, Plagiarism Guidelines, and various other research support services including training and awareness workshops in writing, plagiarism detection, and reference management tools. 
I have also helped several University Libraries and also guided many Librarians for the digitization of theses and Dissertations. 
My heartfelt thanks to my mentor and guide Prof Edward A Fox and other members of the NDLTD Board for their support and guidance. Thanks to Dr. Jagdish Arora former Director INFLIBNET, Mr. Pawan Agarwal, IAS, and then JS in UGC and Prof. S K Sopory for all support in the implementation of ETDs at JNU.

12. Dr. Preeti Sharda: You have chosen a responsible field of conservation and preservation. How can other Lis professionals come forward and take up such assignments?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: It is important to preserve our Cultural Heritage properly. Libraries are responsible for the preservation of documentary heritage. Library Professionals need to understand how to handle and take care of this kind of library material.  Moreover, now digital preservation has become an important issue which needs the attention of every Library Professionals.  

13.  Dr. Preeti Sharda: One of the things that we hear is that it’s the digital age, you can get access to information anywhere, on your phone, you don’t need a library and you don’t need a librarian in the way that you might have a generation or two generations ago. But, so what makes libraries not only important but part of those digital changes and the technological changes, not sort of here despite them?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: I call such people Library illiterate. Internet is not Library; the Internet is not even a digital Library to deal with information overload digital revolution. A Librarian is the best person who provides the most relevant information to the right users in the quest time. Moreover, not everyone can afford to acquire books and journals. Libraries are needed now more than ever.  

14.  Dr. Preeti Sharda: You are really a big thinker and library services promoter. You are an inspiration for many of us. Please tell us who or what inspires you in everyday life?

Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: I am a self-motivated person but I am a human being too. I also cry when I am tensed, feel happy when somebody appreciates, get angry when somebody makes nonsense, and laughs on jokes. I got inspired by different people at different times. Undoubtedly, the father of Library Science, late Dr. S.R. Ranganathan always inspire me. I got inspired from people with whom I have worked, to name a few: Prof. S. K. Sopory, former Vice-Chancellor, JNU; late Mr. Sharat Kumar, former Director, IMT, Ghaziabad; Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, Founder of IGNCA; late Shri C V Subbarao, former Librarian & Founder President RRC; late Shri S P Gupta my ex-boss in CRRI; Dr. V R Panchamukhi, former DG RIS; my teachers Shri S Ansari, Prof. Krishna Kumar; former Prime Ministers Shri Atal Bihari Bajpai and Dr. Manmohan Singh; former President late Dr. Abdul Kalam; Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi. Besides these great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chand Bose, Ravindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekanand, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and many more have always inspired me. I am inspired by the life and works of many successful industrialists. I try to learn from everyone whomsoever comes in my contact. The current generation of Librarians also inspires me a lot.

15.  Dr. Preeti Sharda: What is something most of your co-workers don’t know about you? Do you get time off from your busy schedule? What are your other interests/hobbies?

Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: I am a workaholic and a passionate professional. I always think about libraries, academics, research, technologies, and other areas of my activities. My schedule is so hectic, I hardly have any free time. Whenever I traveling, I try to read to conceive some innovative ideas, try to learn new technologies; try to finish some pending works, etc. You have witnessed how long it took to finish this interview. My life is just like an open book, no hidden secrets, so difficult to recall anything which my co-workers are not aware of. I love to go on holiday with my family, watching good movies, and visiting relatives whenever I am free. Even in this period of pandemic and lockdown, my day is full of events, meetings, and other activities. Everyone close to me always complains that I am too busy.

16. Dr. Preeti Sharda: Now that you have reached the peak of your career, have you set yourself any other goals for the future?
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: Currently as a Professor and Dean at IGNCA I am in the pay band 15. I and Prof. P.K. Rath from Mizoram University are only two LIS Professionals in India having this status. I have done enough in the transformation of Libraries. I am an academic person by heart and have a great interest in research. I have a desire to guide or develop a World Class Academic and Research Institution. I have excellent ideas, great knowledge, and vast experience.  Although IGNCA is one of the best institutions in the field of Art and Culture and also has great potential but due to financial constraints, I am unable to take many initiatives which I am capable of.  Somewhere I am disappointed that my knowledge and talent are not being properly utilized in my country. I consider myself best to guide to develop National level digital repository projects, running or setting up of a world-class academic and research institution. I say most of the time, people have a very closed mindset about librarians. In a University, a Professor from any subject background maybe Hindi, English, can become Vice-Chancellor but a Librarian who is also a professor is always kept away from higher academic positions. For the last 5 years, I have delivered over 500 talks/ guest lecturers to Teachers, Ph.D. Scholars, students of various universities from different disciplines on research related topics. At IGNCA as Dean, I am playing a crucial role in running 8 PG diploma courses and 5 certificate courses. My contributions are always recognized and well appreciated by all. I consider myself competent to head any academic and research institution in this country. If I get this opportunity I will certainly prove myself and I will do my best in enhancing the quality of research and academic programmes of that institution. 
IGNCA building is just opposite to National Archives of India. I can assure that if my ideas of digitally transforming the current National Archives of India from traditional to a modern one are implemented, it will definitely become at par with the World Class National Archives.  My other concern is the current situation of Library Science Schools in India. The current course curriculum in these schools doesn't match with the actual needs of the libraries. the curriculum does not cover current issues, emerging library technologies, and new developments in the field. I wish I can do something in this area also. I have visited over a dozen National Libraries of the world to give guidance. Surprisingly in my own Ministry, I have never been consulted for the improvement of the National Library of India. I am part of many international and national digital library initiatives, but it is very unfortunate that in my own system, I was never consulted for projects like the National Virtual Library of India (NVLI). When I was in JNU, I was part of all committees and consultation groups related to libraries but my current ministry never felt that I can be helpful in the modernization of libraries under the Ministry of Culture. Once a think tank on Library matters was constituted under the Ministry of Culture but not a single meeting was conducted. I am very happy with my achievements but have a desire to work more for improving the status of libraries and librarians in India in particular and across the globe in general. 

17.  Dr. Preeti Sharda: How does one become a celebrity librarian? I mean, you certainly are.
Prof. Ramesh C Gaur: We cannot achieve anything without setting up a goal. I started my career with Eicher Research & Development Centre as an Assistant Information Officer. I left it and joined a very Junior Position in Central Road Research Institute (CRRI-CSIR) Library on almost half of the salary that I was getting in Eicher.  I feel that at the beginning of one’s career, guidance and training from seniors play a very important role. Kind of organization and my role over there were the most important criteria for me whenever I switched over from one organization to another. I always love to accept challenges.  Career planning is very important. In any field of work, you see the recognition or celebrity status is achieved with sheer dedication, hard work, and most importantly passion towards work. 
There is no substitute for hard work and sincerity.  Some of the tips are: be honest, 24/7 working attitude, regular knowledge updation of emerging technologies, good interpersonal skills, research aptitude, respect for others, focused approach, taking criticism positively, not worrying of what people say, not afraid of failures, belief in your destiny, believing every dream does not become true, never give up, how to get work done from your bosses and understanding that fluttering does not always work, think before speak, control your anger, have a happy and smiling face even when you are in pain, never take revenge, forgive people, balance in family and work for life-your family first, and above all a good human being and act as a friend, philosopher, and guide to your users.  These may be some of the essential qualities for success. I do not know I am a celebrity librarian or not but one thing I know people around me like me, respect me, thousands of young professionals not just from the LIS field but also from other fields follow me. There may be some who do not like me due to some professional or personal reasons, but they also respect my work and my contributions made in creating a new Identity for librarians in India.  Wherever I have worked it may be JNU, IMT, MDI, CRRI, or IGNCA I have changed the mindset of people towards libraries and librarians. I have shown them how a good librarian can bring changes to the system and also in enhancing the visibility and quality of research and academic activities. 

Recently Prof Gaur has written about 20 memories on his Facebook page covering his entire 29 years professional journey. Read it if you really want to become a successful librarian.

More information about Prof Gaur can be found at Librarianship Studies & Information Technology Facebook Page, Twitter Page, Linkedin Page

(Disclaimer: Contributions of Prof Ramesh C Gaur in the field of Library and Information Science are phenomenal. On behalf of the entire LIS fraternity and my blog readers, I appreciate sir for the splendid work. I thank Prof Gaur for taking out time from his busy schedule for this interview. Interacting with professionals like him inspire you to be a better person, provide you with motivation to achieve your goals, empower you to make the changes you need to succeed, and cheer on your success....... Dr Preeti Sharda)

at 16 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)