The papers defines the concept and describes the strategy for application of best practices in an
organization. It discusses importance of introducing best practices in a modern library and information
centre (LIC) to enable it to improve its processes and activities, optimize resource utilization, and
deliver high quality, value added services to its users. It reviews the attempts made by IFLA, ALA,
ACRL, Australian Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, and NAAC in India to develop
best practices / guidelines for different types of libraries and /or for specific services. The paper
has suggested / listed the characteristics of the best LIC. It presents the case study of the Central
Library of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to illustrate that adoption of well defined, transparent,
user-focused, and technology-oriented processes and practices with a flexibility to change and
improve can lead the LIC to be the best. The practices followed by the Central Library, IIT Bombay
have been discussed under : (a) Resource development and management, (b) User services, (c)
ICT-enabled services, (d) Users empowerment, Information literacy and library marketing, (e) Other
activities. It concludes that the best practices is not a one time solution, but a continuous process.
The sense of curiosity, willingness to change and learn from experience of others, and pursuit for
superior performance can lead the librarians and libraries to Best Practices.
Bhabal, Jyoti(INFLIBNET Center, February 28, 2008)
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Abstract:
The article discusses briefly e-learning in LIS and focuses on e-learning at SHPT School of Library
Science. It discusses the syllabus, teaching and assessment practices used to train library science
students. The school’s aim is to make aware and train the students in latest technologies useful for
library science profession, so that they can enter in the today’s job market confidently and apply
their professional and technological knowledge effectively and efficiently.