Effective Communication for Effective Library Services

Rangashri KishoreDirector of Library Services

Ashoka University Library is building thenation’s intellectual capabilities not by

but by

Introduction

• Ashoka University Library is setting the standards for effective communication in library services.

• Library professionals run the library assisted by support staff, but they also have a larger role to play.

• A manual has been developed for:

– bringing clarity and uniformity in practices in the library & resource centre

– improving efficiency, utility and services

Faculty/Students

Learning Resources Library Staff

Communication

KOHA Access to Catalogue

KOHA Library Management Software: an open source model -10.1.1.6:8080

Access books through key words: title, author, issue date

Dspace is implemented for institutional repository: 10.1.1.6:8082/jspui

NewsNic: Current Awareness Services in subjects being taught in AU – For archiving news digitally.

Social Responsibility

The Library engages in providing reading and learning programmes to community children from village schools around AU.

A for APPLE (Ashoka for Aas Pados ki Padhai LikhaiEksaath) is an on going initiative.

Children participate in story telling sessions in Hindi and watch educational films by UNICEF and other agencies.

A for APPLE ( Ashoka for Aas Pados ki Padhai Likhai Eksaath

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Free Mental Health Camp

A historical mental health camp, held for the first time in Asawarpur, Sonepat, a village near AU.

Two Sr. Resident Doctors of AIIMS volunteered to screen patients - 75 patients attended, with their families

EMPOWER (A global mental health project) provided posters and Audio-Visual information for mental health awareness in Hindi

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Free Mental Health Camp

Library communication

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Staff communication

Well-established division of labour and departmentalized roles

Communication necessary to achieve organizational goals

- Regular meetings to discuss library policies and implementation

- Making the decisions made by the admin hierarchy known to those it affects

- All materials are handled by staff at all levels before reaching shelves – important to

communicate to avoid delays

Clientele-Staff communicationGoal: Information-seeking

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Reference Librarian

Circulation Desk

Information dissemination

Other services

• Provides desired working materials

• Provides various sources of information

• Borrowing/Returning books and materials

• General enquiries

• Publicizing University policies and services

• Sponsored lectures and exhibitions

• Meeting place for university programmes

• Inter-library lending and information sharing

Challenges & Solutions

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- Casual attitude of library staff leading to inefficiency

- Unqualified library staff

- Inability to understand user/clientele queries

- Library users unable to communicate their requirements out of pride or shame

- Director/Senior management maintains formal and informal contact with staff

- Regular updates to the top hierarchy on problems and resolutions

- Incentives and motivation to staff, moving away from a casual attitude

- Employing qualified staff, offering training and short courses to update them on current trends

- For clientele, offering open shelves or other strategic locations as assistance centers

Effective communication

• Cornerstone of good administration

• Best use of library services and resources

• Library staff are aware of their responsibilities and function effectively

• University/parent bodies can understand issues clearly and offer appropriate and timely assistance

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Thank you!

Effective Communication for Effective Library Services