Dr Meenal Oak: An Administrative Librarian

Dr. Meenal Oak is a Versatile Librarian. She is a very dedicated, sincere, and effective library professional. Her intellectual curiosity and learning aptitude will always be a hallmark of her performance. She is a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit. She always has a smile on her face. She is always ready to take challenges. She has more than 25 years of professional experience as a librarian.  

She is at present working as a faculty member at Maharashtra Education Society Institute of Management and Career Courses (MES-IMCC), Pune, Maharashtra. She is also Coordinator of IGNOU Study Center, SET- NET Workshop, PGDLIMAN & MES Koha Project. Apart from the hardcore librarianship work, she has handled multifold activities in the academic field. She also has teaching expertise and teaches Management of Libraries & Information Centers, Library automation, ICT in Libraries & Knowledge organization for the last 20 years in the conventional mode as well as in the distance mode of education. She has been invited to several places in India including the corporate sector libraries to the Central University Libraries and Departments of Library & Information Science to conduct the sessions as a resource person and as a keynote person. She is an active elective member (EC) of MANLIBNET and also one of the Core Committee Members of MANLIBNET, India.  

Dr. Meenal is the receiver of- the MES Gunawant Shikshak Puraskar 2013-14, Best Teacher Award from Lions Club of Poona; Ajinkya Dr Patil University, and Mahaganesh Technical Education Society Pune; winner of the Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Managing Library and Information Systems in the Digital World: Challenges and Opportunities, organized by MANLIBNET 2015 at TAPMI, Best Promoter Award of PULISAA Pune University Library Science Alumni Association in 2006, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Formerly University of Pune).

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.

• Memoir 1: College Life and How I became a Librarian?
  
• Memoir 2: Earlier Career - Experiences at CRRI and Formation of Ranganathan Research Circle (RRC)
  
• Memoir 3: Stay@home for 90days
  
• Memoir 4: Life with uncertainty- My experiences @ BRISK Securities Ltd.
  
• Memoir 5: Reengineering IMT Library, Automation of Planning Commission Library and Formation of Management Libraries Network ( MANLIBNET)
  
• Memoir 6: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research(TIFR), Mumbai
  
• Memoir 7: Fulbright Visiting Scholar st Virginia Tech University, USA ( 2003-2004)
  
• Memoir 8: Management Development Institute ( MDI), GURGAON
  
• Memoir 9: Ist Tenure at IGNCA ( 31st December 2004-10th October 2011) ( International visits- Germany, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Russia
  
• Memoir 10: Report on my visit to Germany (February 2006)
  
• Memoir 11: Visit to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia in year 2008 for International Collaborations for survey of common shared cultural heritage
  
• Memoir 12: Visit to Russia to attend International conference Preservation of Digital Information in the Information Society: Problems and Prospects 2011
  
• Memoir 13: International Project / International Committees and Professional Associations /Affiliations 1 –Coordinator of The ABIA PROJECT (2005-2011)(countries visited the Netherlands, Bangladesh)
  
• Memoir 14: International Project / International Committees and Professional Associations /Affiliations #2 #InternationalFederationofLibraryAssociationsandInstitutions (IFLA)( IFLA events attended in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and South Korea).
  
• Memoir 15: International Project / International Committees and Professional Associations /Affiliations #3 My affiliation with Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) http://www.ndltd.org/ (countries visited to attend NDLTD Meetings and ETD Conferences – USA, Hong Kong, United Kingdom(UK), France, Taiwan and Portugal)
  
• Memoir 17: International Project / International Committees and Professional Associations /Affiliations #4 #UNESCO Memory of the World Programme
  
• Memoir 18: Affiliation with International / Regional / National Professional /Academic Advisory Boards/, Librarian Advisory Board and various other committees
  
• Memoir 19: Honours & #Awards received during my 29 years professional career
  
• Memoir 20: My Tenure as University Librarian, JNU (Oct.2011- Jan 2018)- Part I- Work done report- 2011-2015

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)

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: A Resourceful Librarian

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: A Resourceful Librarian 

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh is presently working as a Deputy Librarian in A.C. Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh from 2007. Dr. Neeraj is a very hard-working, dedicated Goal-oriented and highly motivated librarian. He is an enthusiastic and resourceful professional and an asset to AC Joshi Library. Due to his caliber and performance excellence, he has been awarded the Prestigious Commonwealth Professional Fellowship two times.

Dr. Neeraj is a prolific writer who penned down more than thirty research papers in the International/National peer-reviewed journals and conferences/seminars. Due to his expertise and knowledge, he has acted as a resource person in various national workshops/conferences/ training programs organized by various institutions. He is also teaching PGDLAN, BLIS courses at USOL, PU, Academic Counsellor of IGNOU regional center at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Interview

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please tell me something about your background. 

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I am the only son of Mr. Shambhu Prasad Singh. Born in Barman, Madhya Pradesh I had my early education there. My father was a landlord as well as a well-educated man. He was MA, M.Lib. from Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar University. He worked as Librarian in SRTNES PG College, Barman for many years and later retired from the same college as Principal. My mother was a housewife. I have two sisters who are married and well settled, one in Delhi and the other in the US. My father was a great educationist and made sure that all his children were well educated and postgraduates (especially in Science).

My schooling, as well as graduation, was done from Barman. In 2001, I did my M.Sc. in Chemistry from Rani Durgawati University, Jabalpur. I did my B.Lib.Sc. in 2003 and M.Lib.Sc. in 2004 from Delhi University. I completed my Ph.D. on the topic “Radio Frequency Identification Technology Applications in Library and Information Centres: A case study of Northern India” in 2014 from Panjab University, Chandigarh. I joined Panjab University, Chandigarh as Assistant Librarian in 2007 and am now promoted to Deputy Librarian. My wife is a housewife and I have two sons. 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Despite doing M.Sc. (Chemistry), what made you decide to become a librarian?

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I did M.Sc in Chemistry in the year 2001 but was not much interested in taking up a career in the field. I had some friends in Delhi who were preparing for competitive examinations. I told my father that I want to go to Delhi to try my luck. I shifted to Delhi in 2001 there I started preparing and appearing in various competitive exams of UPSC, Bank PO, etc. My father was keen that I should do a govt. job. 

One of those days my roommate saw an advertisement for the Delhi University library science course. He also introduced me to the Librarian of Ramjas College, Delhi who inspired me to take admission to a library science course. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was also inspired by my father who was already a professional librarian. That set the course of my profession. I did B.Lib.Sc. and M.Lib.Sc. from Delhi University in 2003 and 2004 respectively. I cleared UGC NET in the first attempt in 2004 and entered the profession. This education in the field culminated 10 years later when I did my Ph.D. in 2014 from Panjab University, Chandigarh. However, learning is still continuing.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Give a brief about your journey from Delhi to Chandigarh.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I started my career in the field of libraries in 2004 after my post-graduation in Library Science from Delhi University. My first experience was as a library trainee at India International Centre, New Delhi in 2004 for 2 months. Then I had a short stint as a temporary Library Assistant in the library of Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, New Delhi. In 2005 I joined as Librarian in Awadh Public Charitable Trust affiliated with GGSIP (New Delhi) that has three institutions under its wing- one each of Physiotherapy, B.Ed. and IT. Here I gained a lot of experience as I set up a new library from scratch which was the central library catering to all the three institutions. I made the library fully computerized and digital. I worked here for 14 months. After this, I had short stints at various institutions like JIMS, New Delhi for 6 months, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Gurgaon for 3 months. 

I got a good experience of working in different institutions but now I wanted a regular and steady job. I applied in Panjab University, Chandigarh in 2007 for Assistant Librarian opening, appeared for the interview, got selected and joined on 16th March 2007. It was a long journey but a satisfying one.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: What is your contribution to AC Joshi Library, Panjab University Chandigarh?

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I joined the A.C. Joshi Library in 2007 and have been working here for the last 12 years. In these 12 years, I have seen a lot of changes in the library and have infact been a part of the growth of the library. I have worked in the Periodicals section for a long time. To regulate the budget and subscription of the print journals and later the e-resources was a part of my duty. Optimum and proper utilization of the budget, identifying the needs of the researchers and subscribing to the e-resources accordingly and making sure they are utilized to the maximum was my concern always. RFID technology was introduced in the library in the year2010. I was a member of the committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor for implementing RFID technology in which I played a significant role. I have closely worked with the LMS vendors and was actively involved in the automation of the periodicals section using SLIM Library management software. 

Another major project taken up was that of complete digitization of PU theses available in the A.C. Joshi Library in the year 2014. I was again a member of the Committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor for this purpose. I was promoted to Deputy Librarian in the year 2019 and since then I have been looking after the Reader Services of the library. Active engagement with the readers and orienting them towards the library, getting their feedback to improve the services of the library, promoting the usage of e-resources, educating the research scholars about plagiarism and doing ethical research, etc. are my areas of work. 

Not only in the library, but I also have been involved in the services of the university at large. I was appointed coordinator of the PU digitization project by the registrar. After the project has been completed all the official records of PU will be accessible through Intranet. I am the Nodal officer for URKUND antiplagiarism software for Panjab University and am helping teachers and research scholars regarding the creation of records and creating awareness for plagiarism.

I have designed and developed Panjab University Chemistry Portal which can be accessed through our library website (http://old.puchd.ac.in/library/chemistry.html) for which I was decorated with the prestigious Best service award 2009 presented by Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University. Again, in the year 2011, a portal on Handling of Hazardous Materials was designed by me for which Vice-chancellor presented me an award on the occasion of the Republic Day ceremony, 26 January 2011. 

Prof R C Sobti, former VC Panjab University, Chandigarh presenting the award on the occasion of Republic Day ceremony, 26 January 2011

Honored by the Honourable, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arun Grover, Panjab University, on the Teachers' Day celebration 2013 at PU

Other than my contribution to AC Joshi Library I would also like to highlight some of my professional achievements

• My first book "RFID for Libraries: a practical approach" published by the renowned Indian publisher Ess Ess Publications, New Delhi in 2019. The book in-depth deals with the application and implementation of RFID technology in libraries. As it is based on the lessons learned during the actual process of implementation, the book provides practical solutions to libraries that are planning to introduce the technology. It also describes NFC, the latest technology in the field. Overall, it shall be of use to the librarians in planning their budget and successfully completing the project to benefit their institutions. 

• The Panjab University Coffee Table Book, in which I had a significant contribution, was released by Mr. Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Ms. Mia Yen, Consul General of Canada In India, Prof Raj Kumar, Honourable, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Prof. Shankarji Jha, Dean of University Instruction, PU, Prof Deepti Gupta, Dean of Alumni Relations, PU on the occasion of PU Annual Global Alumni Meet 2019. I had the honor of sharing the dais with the dignitaries. 

• My research articles on Google Scholar have reached 130 citations. 

• Recognizing my expertise and knowledge on the subject I has acted as a resource person in various national workshops/conferences/ training programmes organized by various institutions, i.e. CMC, Vellore, Bennet University, Greater Noida, NITTTR, Chandigarh, UGC Academic Staff College, PU, SPD-RUSA, Chandigarh, Zonal Institute of Education and training KVS, Chandigarh, Navodaya Leadership Institute, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra University, etc.  
• I have also been teaching PGDLAN, BLIS courses at USOL, PU, and MLIS, PGDLAN courses at IGNOU regional center, Panjab University, Chandigarh since 2009.
• As a part of the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Programme, I visited many academic, special and national Libraries across London, Manchester, Cambridge, and Scotland.
• I was invited in  2015 by the University of California, Santa Cruz, USA  to present a paper in the International Conference on “E-learning and Innovative Pedagogies” from 2-3 Nov 2015.
• Drafted PU research journals Ethics policy from the recommendations of the RPC members which was approved by the Vice-Chancellor. 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: You were awarded the Prestigious Commonwealth Professional Fellowship twice in 2012 and in 2017 at the University of East London, London, UK. Please share some of your experiences?

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are offered by the CSC for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These fellowships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), to contribute to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth. This fellowship had given me a lifetime opportunity, where I learned several novel things and also had the opportunity to meet leading library and information science professionals in the UK and discussed the challenges libraries are facing in the UK. The fellowship program developed my leadership & management skills in the implementation of new library technologies and improved me beyond my expectations. I am the only LIS professional in India who got this rare opportunity of having been selected for this fellowship twice i.e. in 2012 and again in 2017. 

I have shared my experiences of 2012 fellowship at<https://neerajlib.wordpress.com/>

and 2017 at<https://neerajcwfblog.wordpress.com/workshops/>

I would like all those interested in knowing my experiences at UK Fellowship to visit my blog where I have shared all day to day my experiences.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please tell something about the International course on ICT from the University of East London, London recognized by the British Computer Society, London, the UK in 2012. 

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: is a worldwide recognized, leading computer skills and computer literacy certification programme. It provides students with the IT skills and abilities needed to build on existing knowledge, motivate further learning, and improve their employability in a wide range of fields and industries. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of IT (BCS) as an ITQ and is classed as a flexible qualification. To date, more than 14 million people have engaged with the ECDL program, in over 100 countries, through their network of over 24,000 ECDL Accredited Test Centres (ATCs).

The ECDL program defines the skills and competencies necessary to use a computer and common computer applications. It offers a wide range of modules including Computer Essentials, Word Processing, and IT Security. Candidates take tests in the modules which are most relevant to their educational and professional requirements, thereby creating their ECDL Profile. Whether in school, university or in the workplace, ECDL offers the skills you need to succeed. 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Give some details of the Chemistry Portal designed and developed by you.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: Providing the right information to the right user at the right time is a major challenge for libraries. In recent years, digital resources are growing and developing very fast creating challenges in information searching, service provision, and resource discovery. Today's user cannot efficiently find the information they need from resources on various platforms and from different vendors. They do not know how to access full-text articles from various online databases. They complain that they often feel lost among disparate resource lists and guides. Universities and other research organizations are providing significant financial support to libraries. A large proportion of this is going into the subscription of thousands of online resources each year, such as online databases, e-journals, and e-books, but their usage is relatively low. Users do understand the reliability and quality of library resources and prefer to use them only if they can find them. However, the complexity of information structures and the poor design of many library web sites make it difficult for users to discover this wealth of resources. Most university students say that they use the internet for information searching more than the library, yet university teachers notice that the students' work has deteriorated in quality with the use of the web and librarians note that the students unknowingly bypass important sources available to them through academic libraries.

To give a bird's eye view of various resources in the field of chemistry, a single-window service was conceptualized in the form of a chemistry portal. It aims to provide information related to chemistry and its allied subjects, through a single user interface and to access a wide variety of electronic resources in the field subscribed to by the university library and also other scholarly information sources that are available in full text on the web. Searching and filtering the sources available on the web and then judging what will prove useful to chemistry students was, of course, a very tedious job. Interviews were conducted with the faculty members and the students of the chemistry department at Panjab University, Chandigarh (India). After discussions with them, it was observed that most of the users are not using the online resources that are being subscribed to by the university library and they are also not aware of the scholarly information available on the internet, which is published by reputable organizations, universities, publishers, etc. After the interviews, the following observations were made:

• the computer literacy level of these academics is medium to high;
• their internet/web literacy level is low to medium;
• they are mostly using e-mail and web search engines including Yahoo! and Google;
• the university library's online resources are not well known; and
• students do not know how to access e-resources.

Due to this and to fill up the gap between information providers and information users a well-structured Chemistry Portal was designed by me (www.library.puchd.ac.in/chemistry.html), which was nominated for the PCQUEST best information technology implementation award in 2009.

https://www.pcquest.com/panjab-university-web-portal-chemistry/

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Share your involvement for the module on Reference Management Software’s in the online MOOCs course available through SWAYAM, MHRD portal.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I have prepared and presented one module on Reference Management Software’s in the online MOOCs course in Pedagogical Innovations & Research Methodology prepared by Guru Jambheswar University of Science and Technology, Hisar which is available through SWAYAM, MHRD portal.

<https://swayam.gov.in/nd2_arp19_ap72/preview>

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Do you think students pursuing a degree through correspondence can stand equivalent to the students doing regular studies? I mean can they deliver the same.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: In my view, the correspondence courses are self-learning courses and if the student is dedicated and motivated in his/her field, he/she can achieve the same height as a regular student. In the long run and once they enter the profession, it is knowledge and not the degree that matters. Given the right opportunity, they can perform equally well in the practical field. 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Give your views on the role of libraries in the rankings of higher institutions.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: While it is difficult to measure the value academic library brings in institutional rankings, it is clear that the library plays an important role in both research and teaching. In the ranking there is no specific parameter which gives weightage to the libraries, however, libraries can play a very important role in influencing the ranking of any institution. Here are some ways how libraries today make a difference to the community they serve. The academic library is a reflection of the level of the institution it serves, it can enhance the ranking of the institution by encouraging more quality research, enhancing the institution’s academic reputation, and increase research needs awareness.  The library has a very significant role in the ranking of academic institutions because all the academic activities of institutions are directly or indirectly related to the library. It is a pity that the quality of the academic library is not considered for the institutional ranking. The iconographic power of a college or university library expresses a purpose not just to collect, but also to organize, preserve, and make knowledge accessible. 

Delivering invited talk on the role of libraries in the rankings of higher institutions at Bennet University, Greater Noida, Sept 23, 2019

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Do you think plagiarism is really a serious offense and paraphrasing is not as there is no way to check the paraphrasing?

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I am of the view that Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is considered plagiarism and therefore has serious consequences. To avoid plagiarism, one must always cite the source in the correct citation format; otherwise, you are presenting something as your own work, even though it's not. You should use just an idea but express it with your own words and format. However, if you do credit the original author correctly using an in-text citation or footnote citation and include the full source in the reference list, then you do not commit plagiarism. Plagramme.com is an advanced plagiarism software that can recognize paraphrased plagiarism. Once you enter your text, you will be able to see instant plagiarism check results. Lines that appear to be copied from another text as well as paraphrased ones will be highlighted. 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Tell us what you feel are your biggest strengths and your biggest weaknesses.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I think my biggest strength is being focused on. Once I am convinced, I am totally focused on the task at hand. I try to gather all the relevant information from all possible sources and after assessing the pros and cons I like to tackle the task. The latest developments in the field of LIS and Information Technology fascinate me. I like to keep up to date on this front.

My biggest weakness is not being able to deal with dual personality persons. Also, I don’t like people not committed to their jobs and who do not understand easily. 

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Name five adjectives that describe yourself.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: Focused, Committed, Passionate, Progressive, Self-made

Dr. Preeti Sharda: What are your professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: My professional goal is to be at a position in the profession where I can implement my progressive ideas, the ideas that can benefit the library as well as the institution at large. In five years I would like to see myself in a position of control and at the topmost position in the profession. There is so much to be done for the profession and libraries that if not started soon the libraries will lag behind in many areas.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: I personally know you since 2007 and always seen a serious side of your personality, do Dr. Neeraj K Singh has a funny side also?

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: If you meet me professionally you shall always see my serious side. I am very professional in my profession. I open up only in my friends' circle and we have a lot of fun light moments together. If you want to see my funny side you shall have to enter my friends’ circle which is not easy. I go every morning to play Badminton with my friends where we have a lot of fun and that invigorates me for the serious business of the rest of the day.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Your favorite pass time…….

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I like watching Tik Tok videos, listening to music and watching cricket and movies. I also like spending time with my kids which energizes me a lot.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Your final comments……

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh: I would like to share that though I did not plan to enter the profession initially, once I joined the profession I am totally dedicated to it. I find there is a lot of scope in librarianship. The librarians can expand their operations and can associate with many other professions. The profession of librarianship is never going to die, we just need to upgrade and diversify.

(It was a great honor to take an interview with a dedicated, very humble and a very hardworking professional like Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh. Thank you so much, Dr. Neeraj, for sparing time from your busy schedule. The interview can also be read at https://www.ranganathansociety.org/dr-neeraj-kumar-singh/).