Librarian Spotlight – Dr. Chandrakanta Swain

Can you share some glimpses of your background and journey towards librarianship?

I started my professional journey as a Librarian in Regional College of Management, Bhubaneswar, after completion of my Master Degree in Library and Information Science from Sambalpur University, Burla, Odisha. Under my dynamic administration and management, the RCM library grew by leaps and bounds. I introduced there library automation, digitization, user-friendly information systems and services, and effective library governance with the latest trends of advanced information communication technologies. Moreover, promoting teaching and learning excellence through an effectively managed, organized and a robust library and information system and providing research support to faculty and research scholars in the wake of enhancing research productivity and intellectual capital of the institution was my top agenda. As a dynamic librarian, I served the institution for a period of almost two decades. Soon after completion of my PhD, I joined as a librarian in IIM Raipur and continuing the job as a experienced and dynamic librarian of the country.

 

What would you consider the most rewarding parts of your job?

 I was felicitated by my institution and other professional bodies several times for my contribution to the LIS field. Currently, I am the Vice President of Management Libraries Network (MANLIBNET), one of the largest business library networks of the country.

 

Many libraries are embracing technology and innovative services these days, can you share about any recent technological implementations or digital initiatives your library has undertaken?

IIM Raipur Library has grown into a state-of-the art library with my active initiatives to introduce advanced library automation with RFID system, digital library, library web portal, user centric innovative information services like article alerts, current awareness and selective dissemination of information to faculty and research scholars among array of such other services based on advanced information communication technologies.

 

Can you share one aspect of librarianship that is particular to your country or geographic region?

 One of the biggest aspects of the librarianship today is that, in addition to the academic library system, we should strengthen the public library systems to serve the general public more comprehensively and pin-pointedly.

 

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in library science and how do you incorporate these insights in our daily work?

I have been a member of different professional associations, and an advisory member of KIIT Journal of Library and Information Management. I actively involve myself in conducting and participating in various outreach programmes like Librarians’ Development Programmes, Workshops, National Conferences, International conferences. Hence, I continuously gather knowledge and experiences on the latest trends and advancements in library science from interaction with fellow professionals, teachers of LIS, experts, and senior colleagues and I put the acquired knowledge into day-to-day practice of librarianship.

 

What are the few challenges a librarian face in the career and how have you overcome those?

With the emergence of modern information communication technologies, the traditional library services and librarianship is fast getting outdated. It’s the biggest ask before all the library and information professionals to equip themselves with adequate technological competencies to deal with cloud computing, Big Data, Internet of Things among others and by adopting new and innovative technologies in marching beyond the conventional library systems and services by setting a vision for the libraries of the future.

 

If you could take a trip right now to visit any library in the world, which would it be and why?

I would like to visit The Stanford University Libraries (SUL), the library system of Stanford University in California. I am interested in visiting the great university library system of Stanford University as I have heard a great deal about the organization, effectiveness, aesthetic learning ambiance, the staffing pattern, Information management and control and innovative library services offered to the users of Stanford University from 24 different libraries of the University.

 

How about your Hobbies or what would you like to do apart from official work?

My hobby is to gather up-to-date burning information on social issues of India and abroad. Moreover, I have a profound interest in rendering social service to the poor people who don’t get a square meal a day. .