In his article that appeared on December 5, Libraries Day, Robert Mizzi highlighted the need, importance and relevance of libraries in today’s information society. He stressed that neither he nor anyone working in a library set-up would be against technology, acknowledging that technology has changed the role of the librarian or information professional. This is from where I would like to continue the journey.
No one can deny the importance of libraries and of their influence on humanity’s intellectual capacity, not only to remember things and events but also to offer the possibility to contribute to the wealth of information to society.
Libraries today are formed of web-based catalogues, various digital e-book readers for digital texts, tablets with incredible computing facilities and capabilities, etc. Here, I recall Darwin’s famous saying that “it is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change”.
Without doubt, this focuses on the issue that “the only constant is change”. This is precisely why I think that both librarians and information professionals living in this century should be proud of being who they are.
Librarians form part of this ongoing change within the library and do well to embrace this change, especially where information technology is concerned.
This calls for two important aspects of the librarian: one, qualification (intended to show the various areas of study) and, two, a vision (intended to implement best practice both through personal knowledge and also through collaborative work).
As for the former, high praise goes to the University Library and Information course of study, especially now that it has been enhanced by two PhD graduates with extensive experience.
As for the latter, this is a personal trait, which is difficult to inculcate in anyone because it is an innate attitude about who you are as a professional and the journey to be accomplished.
Consequently, the librarian must evolve in his skills and attitude towards his patrons whoever they may be, while recognising the necessity and importance of the work being delivered.
This calls for professional librarians to be in the right places if we intend to help our society emerge as a strong society with appropriate thinking and evaluative skills.
Finally, I hope that librarians will soon acquire their warrant, on the strength of which they will provide a truly professional service.