Use of computers in libraries was a logical and natural choice, since the very nature and aim of library work is, in a way, creating order from chaos. And wherever one wants order, computers can step in. But for this order to dawn a lot of manual keying work has to be undertaken first. For data to be organized, data has to be created. But that is another story.
Software to be used when computers first made their entry in libraries was not readily available, naturally. So, in the initial stages, ambitious librarians had to make do with whatever data-manipulating software the mother-institution used for their own end to foster their academic or non-academic pursuits. Later, software exclusively for libraries began to be designed. And, librarians began to flex their muscles.
In a library, computer can be used for cataloguing, circulation, preparation of various subject indexes, maintaining different databases, checking various statistics, aiding administrative works and networking.
Coming of computers has surely lessened the burden on the librarian. But it has not eliminated hard work altogether. Each and every field in which human beings are engaged is widening its horizon. And computers, on the one hand where they have increased the efficiency of the library services, they have on the other opened up a vista of so many other fields in which a library can easily contribute. So, where the early librarians had to be concerned only with books, cataloguing and circulation, the modern librarian has to add a lot more feathers of skills to his cap of versatility.
But the basic qualities to be an efficient librarian remain the same. You have to be a continuous learner, have tons of patience up your sleeves and a lot of imagination. The last quality comes handy just about anywhere. And, to sharpen it, read fiction. That's a librarian's advice.
Software to be used when computers first made their entry in libraries was not readily available, naturally. So, in the initial stages, ambitious librarians had to make do with whatever data-manipulating software the mother-institution used for their own end to foster their academic or non-academic pursuits. Later, software exclusively for libraries began to be designed. And, librarians began to flex their muscles.
In a library, computer can be used for cataloguing, circulation, preparation of various subject indexes, maintaining different databases, checking various statistics, aiding administrative works and networking.
Coming of computers has surely lessened the burden on the librarian. But it has not eliminated hard work altogether. Each and every field in which human beings are engaged is widening its horizon. And computers, on the one hand where they have increased the efficiency of the library services, they have on the other opened up a vista of so many other fields in which a library can easily contribute. So, where the early librarians had to be concerned only with books, cataloguing and circulation, the modern librarian has to add a lot more feathers of skills to his cap of versatility.
But the basic qualities to be an efficient librarian remain the same. You have to be a continuous learner, have tons of patience up your sleeves and a lot of imagination. The last quality comes handy just about anywhere. And, to sharpen it, read fiction. That's a librarian's advice.
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