Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you get into the field of librarianship?
After completion of my graduate degree in geography, destiny moved me towards librarianship without knowing much about this profession. With the blessings of my teachers and parents, I scored gold medals in B.Lib.Sc and M.Lib.Sc. Then completed my doctorate and cleared UGC- NET simultaneously. Presently serving my alma mater for the last 25 years.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities as a university librarian?
Mainly the administration work, a challenging one especially for a sensitive and emotional person like me but with public dealing, we get exposure to different personalities which is quite interesting too. As a female, I am proud to deal with every situation as I am blessed with an emotional quotient along with IQ, a perfect balance for administrative jobs.
What were some of the major challenges you faced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The challenges were mainly to maintain the connectivity between our library clientele and library resources. Personal assistance was missing among humans.
How have you been able to overcome or adjust to the challenges faced?
The only solutions were e-mails, webinars, WhatsApp groups these worked as substitutes during the covid time. However, the library was successful in getting the remote access facility through MyLOFT and it is easier to connect with our medical fraternity in a much better way.
What subject, topic, or issue has piqued your interest recently? What are you doing to further your learning as a librarian?
The pandemic has made me realize the perishable life and the power to live the present moment. As human beings, we are bestowed with the true power of abundant kindness, joy, love, truth, and peace within ourselves and all around us despite all turmoil. Hence, we must mark our presence by contributing toward society a peaceful and aesthetic environment for all, especially in today’s digital world.
What would you consider the most rewarding parts of your job?
The satisfaction of our users within the least possible time is the only reward we get through the facial expressions of our students and faculty members.
Can you share one aspect of librarianship that is particular to your country or geographic region?
As per my experience, most of our libraries don’t follow any standards regarding the construction of buildings including reading areas, computer zones, etc. Hence, I would love to follow those standards for building and furniture as well and make the best use of sunlight for the reading areas of the library, GREEN LIBRARY. The aesthetics of the building should be maintained to attract users.
Tell us something more about yourself, what do you do in your spare time?
I love music especially light classical Indian music, old Hindi film songs, and reading books full of motivation and philosophy of life.
If you could take a trip right now to visit any library in the world, which would it be and why?
I would love to visit the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine in Maryland once in my life as both have contributed to developing the society and medical profession in particular.
her dedication to serve IMS users is remarkable.