Library & Information Science

Dr Shantanu Ganguly | Fellow | TERI

What is Library & Information Science?

A Career in Library & Information Science is very intriguing. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Library & Information Science, while one should first understand What is a Career in Library & Information Science. The internet is a great source of information on Library & Information Science, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.

Fellow Dr Shantanu Ganguly invested 29 years in Library & Information Science. According to Fellow Dr Shantanu Ganguly, Library & Information Science is:

Library Science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the political economy of information.

How Fellow Dr Shantanu Ganguly got into Library & Information Science?

I have done B Sc, M Sc, MBA in Marketing Management, B LISc, M LISc, PG Diploma in Computer Applications and a Ph D in Marketing of Special Library Services. I am working in TERI since 1990 as a Fellow in it's library.

Fellow Dr Shantanu Ganguly's Talk on Library & Information Science

A Career in Library Information Science: Navigating Knowledge and Technology In today's rapidly evolving information landscape, the role of Library Information Science (LIS) professionals is more significant than ever. Dr. Shantanu Ganguly, an accomplished expert in LIS, underscores the essence of this field in connecting users with the knowledge they seek. With an extensive educational background and over 27 years of experience, Dr. Ganguly illustrates the vibrant and dynamic nature of LIS, advising aspiring professionals to embrace both tradition and innovation. What Is Library & Information Science? Library Information Science encompasses the organization, management, and dissemination of information within various types of libraries. Dr. Ganguly notes that the field is not solely about managing physical collections but also extends to crafting value-added services for diverse stakeholders. As demand for accessible information grows, LIS professionals are crucial in ensuring that knowledge is delivered timely and in suitable formats. The importance of this field cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in the overall ecosystem of information sharing and management. Education in Library Information Science Basics of Library Information Science A solid foundation in Library Information Science is critical for success in the field. According to Dr. Ganguly, understanding the basic principles allows professionals to effectively address various aspects, from resource management to service delivery. For instance, by mastering foundational topics, professionals build the competence required to manage diverse library systems and ensure that users get the information they need when they need it. Emerging Technology The integration of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality and big data analytics, is transforming the landscape of library services. Dr. Ganguly emphasizes the necessity of staying updated with these advances to enhance user experiences. Libraries that adopt sophisticated technologies can offer innovative services that engage users and facilitate their access to information, thus contributing to the library’s relevance and efficacy in today's digital era. Deployment of Open Source Platforms An understanding of open-source platforms is also essential, as they provide affordable alternatives to proprietary software. Dr. Ganguly mentions that LIS professionals must evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate solutions for their organizations. The ability to deploy open-source technologies not only reduces costs but can also foster greater customization and adaptability within library systems. Social Media Platforms In a world driven by social media, establishing a presence on these platforms is vital for library professionals. Dr. Ganguly points out that effective communication through social media enhances stakeholder engagement. Libraries can utilize these platforms to share information, solicit feedback, and foster a sense of community among users, which ultimately increases the value of library services. Taxonomy Management Taxonomy management is crucial for organizing information effectively. Dr. Ganguly describes the necessity of building a robust taxonomy for automated library systems, which enhances data retrieval capabilities. A well-structured taxonomy ensures users can find relevant information efficiently, making it a vital component of modern library service. Semantic Ontological Engineering Gaining proficiency in semantic and ontology engineering further augments a librarian's ability to curate and retrieve information. Dr. Ganguly explains that developing skills in these areas helps professionals create effective search strategies, utilizing the right keywords and tags. This expertise is essential to meet users' needs, particularly in a world where information overload is common. Skills for Success in Library Information Science Query Handling Query handling is one of the most important skills for an LIS professional. Dr. Ganguly utilizes the 5W and 1H model to dissect user queries, ensuring he thoroughly understands each user's needs before providing information. By mastering this skill, librarians can significantly enhance their service quality, ensuring users receive not just answers, but the right answers that fulfill their requirements. Repackaging of Service Another crucial skill is repackaging information into accessible formats tailored to users' needs. Dr. Ganguly highlights that users prefer concise and relevant information over extensive data dumps. Effective repackaging can elevate the user experience, making the information more digestible and useful to the end-user. Communication Skills Strong communication skills are fundamental to fostering successful interactions with stakeholders. As Dr. Ganguly points out, knowing how to articulate and market library services effectively is essential. Effective communication helps to build trust and understanding between librarians and their users, ultimately enhancing the library's outreach and service impact. Proposal Writing Proposal writing is an art that Dr. Ganguly recognizes as pivotal in securing funding for library services. Crafting compelling proposals requires an understanding of both the needs of the funder and the gaps your service addresses. This skill can be critical for libraries facing budget constraints, allowing them to secure the necessary resources for continued service delivery. Selection & Collection of Resources The ability to judiciously select and collect library resources within budgetary constraints is a vital skill. Dr. Ganguly notes that understanding user needs while evaluating resource usage leads to more informed procurement decisions. By deploying an evaluative framework, librarians can prioritize resource allocation effectively, maximizing the impact of their collections. Positives of a Career in Library Information Science Providing Services One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in LIS is the opportunity to serve a wide range of users. Dr. Ganguly identifies this diverse engagement as a significant positive, as it allows professionals to make meaningful contributions to information access across various communities. Developing Knowledge Working in library information science frequently fosters an ongoing journey of learning. Dr. Ganguly shares that through his focus on themes such as energy and sustainability, he continually enhances his knowledge base, remaining relevant and informed. This continuous development is a substantial benefit that motivates many professionals in the field. Stakeholder Management Effective stakeholder management is paramount in LIS, as it involves fostering relationships with users. Dr. Ganguly emphasizes that the user is central to library services, and building rapport with them enhances the library’s effectiveness. Satisfying user needs fosters loyalty and underscores the library's importance in the community. Challenges in Library Information Science Addressing Queries of Stakeholders Handling queries can be challenging, especially when faced with irrational or complex requests. Dr. Ganguly acknowledges that understanding highly technical or specialized queries can be daunting for professionals without a strong background in those areas. This challenge necessitates ongoing education and adaptability in response to user needs. Technology Obsolescence Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements poses a critical challenge for libraries. As Dr. Ganguly notes, the high costs associated with adopting new technologies can strain budgets. Libraries must remain vigilant and flexible, finding innovative ways to integrate new tools while managing costs. Budget Constraints Budget limitations are a pervasive challenge in LIS. Effective financial planning is essential, with professionals needing to allocate funds wisely between recurring costs, such as subscriptions, and non-recurring investments. Dr. Ganguly stresses that a well-defined budget profile is crucial for sustaining library operations and services. A Day in the Life of a Library Information Scientist Dr. Ganguly's day begins with reviewing national newspapers to compile relevant information for his stakeholders in energy and environmental initiatives. He then conducts a walkthrough of the library to ensure the environment is conducive to learning, addressing cleanliness and organization. Throughout the day, he collaborates with his team on various projects, assessing their progress and identifying any challenges. Additionally, responding to various user queries keeps him engaged, requiring both the repackaging of information and expert query handling. This dynamic workflow illustrates the essential responsibilities of modern library information scientists, merging knowledge management with technology and user service. In conclusion, pursuing a career in Library Information Science is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities to enrich knowledge and enhance access to information. As underscored by Dr. Ganguly's insights, success in this field hinges on a unique blend of education, skills, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability. For those passionate about knowledge sharing and committed to service, LIS offers a fulfilling pathway toward making a lasting impact in their communities.

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How to get into

Library & Information Science?

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Links for this Talk

Fellow Dr Shantanu Ganguly's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/shantanuganguly

LifePage Career Talk on Library & Information Science

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/library-and-information-science

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20190723-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://youtu.be/tcQeUC3On0I

(Library & Information Science, Dr. Shantanu Ganguly, TERI, Fellow, Librarian, Library Management)

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