Role of Library and Information Proffessionals In The Emerging Knowledge Society

Abstract

The data, concerning human development progress as well as use of information technology in our country, shows that we are still far behind other developed nations. Efforts have been made by present government to make India, a knowledge based society in new era. It has set time bound targets to see that India becomes a 'developed nation' in next twenty years. The paper criticises the concept of knowledge worker, as it fails to identify the due role of library and information professionals. Appreciates the efforts of the Planning Commission and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's India 2020: A Vision of the New Millennium, making an environment in which the people make India a developed nation. It states how our rural people begin to use the tools of information technology in new era. The opening of two Public Information Kiosks (PIKS) by National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), in Andhra Pradesh is a good beginning to harness new technology by its rural people. The paper discusses the role of library and information professionals, as they are actively engaged in finding practicle solutions to the challenges of digital age. The paper points out Christopher Edwards's view that the role of information professionals in knowledge society is neither fully recognised nor understood. He furthers remarks that the major initiatives of the government have always bypassed the library and information sector. Our professional skills developed over generations are marginalised. The paper deliberates upon the recent development in ICTs at international level. The paper concludes with a caution, that, without emphasizing the role of information professionals as well as of libraries and information centres, our vision of knowledge society shall remain a dream.