Librarian Spotlight – Dr. K. P. S. Sengar

For this month’s librarian spotlight, we have the pleasure to present Dr. K.P.S. Sengar, the head of the Knowledge Resource Center at CSIR – Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh.

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

“The journey of thousand miles begins with a single step” Yes, this happened to me; I was a Science Graduate and wanted to join the I.T. sector. I joined MSC Mathematics with PGDCA (Evening Class) at Jiwaji University Gwalior (M.P.) simultaneously. Somehow destiny has been another place for me. One day my father met my uncle’s childhood friend Late Dr. Ram Gopal Garg Ji, who had recently joined the library and information science department of Jiwaji University, Gwalior as a Lecturer. He explained to my father that your son has completed his science graduation and has also done a postgraduate diploma in computer application. He suggested to my father to get him a degree in library and information science, and there is a lot of job potential in this field. Destiny took me towards librarianship, and ultimately, I quit from M.Sc. (Mathematics) and was admitted to Bachelor of Library and Information Science in 1996 at Jiwaji University Gwalior. I completed my Master of Library Information Science in 1998; after that, I started my career as a Librarian at Management Institute, Gurgaon, 1998. In this institution, I got to teach Computer Application paper to PGDBM students. Unfortunately, I was not satisfied with the library science work at this institution; then, I decided to quit the job. I want to apply my knowledge and expertise to the library, which I learned during my U.G. and P.G. degrees.

After a few months, I got an opportunity to work in Sahitya Academy Library, New Delhi under DELNET NBD Project. Here, I learned about MARC records, ILMS Software, and Technical processing of Information resources. In 1999, I joined the JIL Information Technology (Jaypee Group of Companies) as a Librarian, setting up a new learning resource center and creating an “Image Library.” In 2001, I got an opportunity to join CSIR’s National Laboratories in Chandigarh. In 2000 there was a vacancy at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, in which the exact requirement was a Science Graduate, a P.G. Diploma in Computer Applications, and a P.G. degree in Library and Information Science. At that time, I realized how destiny and your hard work open the door for you. As of today, I have been Head of the Knowledge Resource Centre at CSIR-IMTech Chandigarh since Feb. 2001. 

 

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

It is always my pleasure and great satisfaction to assist my users with their information needs, whether finding specific articles, and books, helping with their research, navigating digital resources, etc.  In 2010, I received an appreciation email from the Chairperson of the Library Advisory Committee on the completion of the Digital Institutional Repository of CSIR-IMTech. That day was also the most rewarding part of my job. I want to share the most recently satisfying part of my life i.e. I received the Librarian of the Year (Special Library)-2023 Award from Madhya Pradesh Library Association (MPLA).

 

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?

Yes, it is right! Libraries worldwide have been actively embracing technology and innovative services to adapt to their users’ changing needs and enhance the library experience. Here, I am sharing about recent technological implications in our present library:

Before sharing the new technological developments of our library, I want to share the story of the technological implications in our library. When I joined CSIR-IMTech in Feb. 2001, I found that the library’s operation was all manual. There is no library automation software, no library web page, no IR, no e-journals portal etc. I approached the concerned authority and asked them for the automation plan for the IMTech library. I got the result now library automation was completed in 2004 using eGranthlaya S/W that not only ironed out the lengthy and repetitive handling of tasks but also resulted in a more productive and service-oriented. In 2014, we implemented Koha OSS under the CSIR KNOWGATE project. 

In 2008, again, I approached the competent authority and proposed to create Digital Institutional Repository for CSIR-IMTech with the help of the IT section. Mid-2008, IR was set up to host research publications of scientists of IMTech using DSpace S/W. At that time, CSIR didn’t have Open Access Policy, so I faced many challenges, i.e., Infrastructure issues, Scientists’ behavior issues, human resources issues for scanning old documents, etc. In 2009, we got CSIR open access policy. Now it’s mandatory to create IR in PAN CSIR. In 2009, we have re-setup IR using Eprints Software and made accessible to the global users. 

In our library, we have recently designed and created our Scientist’s profile, i.e., CSIR-IMTech’s IRINS web portal, with the collaboration of INFLIBNE. We have also initiated to develop research primary data repository for future researchers. We have also introduced a mobile app that allows users to access our catalog and subscribed e-resources and databases. We have also provided research tools to the researchers to enhance the quality of their research writings. These technological implications have been well-received by our users and have helped us improve efficiency and convenience for our patrons. 

 

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

Libraries play an essential role in local communities by providing access to information and resources, supporting literacy and education, promoting lifelong learning, and serving as community gathering places. Hence the importance of libraries can be felt by all the community members. One aspect of the Chandigarh region I have mentioned here is the reading habits of the people of Chandigarh. There are many public libraries, academic and research libraries in the Chandigarh region. As I have seen in the last two decades, people of Chandigarh have a higher reading habit than other places. All public and academic libraries in the Chandigarh region, especially the Center State Library, Punjab University Library, and the Le Corbusier Center Library (a unique library dedicated to the life and works of the famous architect. Le Corbusier, the urban planner), is always crowded. 

 

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 stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in library science through various means, and they incorporate these insights into our daily work to enhance our library services and adapt to the evolving needs of library patrons. Here are some methods where I use the information in their profession:

I regularly attend various specialized training programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences related to the latest advancements in library services, where I can learn about new practices, technologies, and research in the field. I actively engage in professional discussions and knowledge-sharing through social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Online forums and mailing lists are also valuable sources for exchanging ideas and staying informed to me. I also learned to collaborate with peers. I always use new knowledge to expand services and improve existing ones, such as implementing innovative programs, adopting emerging technologies. I also incorporate insights into understanding user needs and preferences, enabling them to tailor services and outreach efforts effectively. I use insights to evaluate and improve their library’s performance, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing changes to deliver better service. Overall, staying updated on trends and advances in library science is critical for librarians like me to stay relevant and provide high-quality services to our patrons in an ever-evolving information landscape.

 

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

One may face several challenges when pursuing a career as a librarian in India. Some of these challenges include the following: A few job opportunities are available in this field, and the competition for various levels of library positions in India is very tough. Hence, it is essential to have substantial education and work experience to stand out from other candidates; with the increasing use of technology in libraries, librarians are expected to be tech-savvy and keep up with the latest trends and developments.

Librarians face many challenges, such as budget issues, inadequate infrastructure, lack of knowledge, changing technology, job training and career advancement, communication, library management, declining users, etc. Librarians may face misconceptions about the value and relevance of libraries in the digital age. Limited physical space can be a challenge for libraries.

I always try to overcome the challenges/issues mentioned earlier by discussing with my colleagues, library advisory committee members, a group of eminent scientists, and competent authorities. , For example, if we have less allocation of funds for the library in any year, we try to subscribe the essential resources to the users in consultation with the LAC. Regarding technology, I learn new technology by attending various conferences, workshops, and training programs and applying them in the library. Yes, I also face IT-savvy staff in the library; however, I always seek help from our IT department to overcome this challenge.

Overall, I have overcome the abovementioned challenges by always being confident, passionate about my profession, proactive, continuing learning, and happy to take up any responsibility. 

 

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

Recently I visited the National Library of Thailand, Office of Academic Resources (Library), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, and the Bank of Thailand Learning Resource Centre, where I Understood the scenario of academic and research libraries with respect to infrastructure, services, usage, staff, etc. I want to visit The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., United States of America if I get a chance. The Library of Congress is the most extensive library in the world by shelf space and the second-largest by the number of items in its collection. It houses extensive scientific literature, historical documents, research papers, and rare manuscripts. Here are some reasons why this would be an exciting trip for me: I want to see the beauty of the architecture, in addition to the services and collections of the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress building is an architectural marvel featuring stunning Beaux-Arts style design and opulent interiors. Exploring the library’s reading rooms, galleries, and exhibitions will enrich the overall experience. A visit to the Library of Congress will provide me with a unique and enriching experience. It will also allow me to delve into the history of scientific literature and become part of a global community of knowledge seekers.

 

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

I am a passionate library professional. I am always too eager to learn new innovative tools and techniques for my profession whenever I have free time. I want to spend time with my family. I enjoy vacations with my family, watching old movies, and gardening. I love cooking.