Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona has called for greater skill development among librarians to improve the quality of library services across the state. He stressed the need for librarians to keep pace with changing technology and develop new skills to meet the needs of modern readers.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a programme focused on libraries, education and professional development. He said libraries remain important centres of learning even as students and readers increasingly use digital resources.
The call for skill development comes as educational institutions across Arunachal Pradesh continue to expand their use of digital platforms and technology-based learning resources.
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Librarians Need to Adapt to Changing Technology
The minister said librarians need to continuously upgrade their knowledge and professional skills. Traditional library management now works alongside digital catalogues, online databases and electronic resources.
Librarians therefore need to understand both conventional and modern methods of managing information. Training can help them use digital systems more effectively and assist students in finding reliable information.
The changing nature of information also creates new responsibilities for library professionals. Readers have access to large amounts of online content, but not all digital information is accurate or reliable.
Librarians can help students identify credible sources and develop better research habits.
Focus on Digital Library Services
Digital technology has changed the way people access books and information. Students can now use online journals, e-books, digital archives and educational platforms from computers and mobile devices.
The minister’s emphasis on skill development reflects the growing importance of digital literacy within libraries.
Training programmes can help librarians learn how to manage digital collections and assist users with electronic resources. They can also learn about digital cataloguing, database management and online research tools.
Such skills can make libraries more useful to students who rely on both physical and digital resources.
Libraries Remain Important for Students
Despite the growth of digital resources, physical libraries continue to play an important role in education.
Libraries provide students with access to textbooks, reference books, literature, newspapers and other learning materials. They also offer quiet spaces where students can read and study.
In schools and colleges, libraries can encourage independent learning. Students can explore subjects beyond their prescribed textbooks and develop regular reading habits.
Librarians play a central role in making these resources accessible. Their responsibilities extend beyond maintaining books and records.
Need for Continuous Professional Training
Regular professional training can help librarians keep up with changes in the education and information sectors.
Training can cover areas such as digital library management, preservation of books, information technology, research assistance and user services.
Librarians can also benefit from workshops that focus on communication and student engagement. These skills can help them understand what users need and provide more effective assistance.
Continuous learning can also help library professionals adapt when institutions introduce new software or digital platforms.
Supporting Research and Academic Learning
Libraries have a direct connection with research and academic development. Students and teachers often depend on libraries for reference material when preparing assignments, dissertations and research projects.
Well-trained librarians can help users find relevant books, journals and databases. They can also guide students towards appropriate research sources.
Digital skills can further improve this process. Librarians who understand online databases and search tools can help users access information more efficiently.
This support becomes especially important for higher education institutions, where students often need specialised academic resources.
Libraries and the Wider Community
Libraries can also serve communities beyond schools and colleges. Public libraries can provide access to newspapers, books, government information and digital resources.
In areas where internet access or digital literacy remains limited, libraries can help bridge the information gap.
Arunachal Pradesh has many geographically remote areas. Libraries and community learning centres can therefore play an important role in expanding access to educational resources.
Training librarians to use digital tools can strengthen this role and help them provide better services to users in different locations.
Importance of Digital Literacy
Digital literacy has become an essential part of modern education. Students need to know how to search for information, evaluate sources and use online resources responsibly.
Librarians can contribute to this process by teaching users basic information and research skills.
They can guide students on how to distinguish reliable information from misleading or unverified online content. They can also introduce readers to academic databases and other trusted resources.
This makes librarians important partners in the development of responsible digital learners.
Modernising Library Management
Skill development can also improve the day-to-day management of libraries.
Modern library management systems can simplify cataloguing, circulation, membership records and tracking of books. Digital catalogues can allow users to search for books without manually checking shelves or registers.
Libraries can also digitise selected collections to preserve important documents and improve access.
However, technology alone cannot modernise a library. Staff need adequate training to operate digital systems and provide support to users.
Strengthening Arunachal’s Education System
The development of skilled library professionals can contribute to the wider education system in Arunachal Pradesh.
Better libraries can support students, teachers and researchers. They can also encourage reading and independent learning among young people.
The minister’s call highlights the need to view librarians as education professionals rather than only custodians of books.
As schools and colleges adopt more digital learning resources, librarians will increasingly need to combine traditional library knowledge with technological skills.
A Changing Role for Librarians
The role of librarians is changing as education becomes increasingly connected to technology. Modern librarians are expected to manage physical collections while also helping users navigate digital information.
Skill development can help professionals meet these changing responsibilities.
For Arunachal Pradesh, strengthening librarian training could improve the quality of services available in educational institutions and public libraries.
The focus on professional development also reflects the broader need to prepare the state’s education workforce for changing learning methods. By upgrading their skills and adopting digital tools, librarians can continue to support students and readers in an increasingly technology-driven education environment.
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