Sectors

Sectors for Library Professionals in Nepal: From Chief Librarian to Library Assistants

Library professionals in Nepal work across various sectors, each requiring a range of skills and expertise from leadership to technical support. Here’s an overview of the key sectors and the roles within each, from Chief Librarian to Library Assistants.

1. Academic Libraries

  • Chief Librarian: Oversees the entire library system, develops policies, manages budgets, and ensures the library meets the academic needs of students and faculty.
  • Assistant Librarian: Supports the Chief Librarian in managing library operations, coordinates with faculty for resource acquisition, and oversees specific departments or sections.
  • Cataloguer: Manages the classification and cataloging of new acquisitions, ensuring accurate and accessible records.
  • Library Assistant: Handles daily operations like circulation, shelving, assisting patrons, and maintaining library resources.

2. Public Libraries

  • Chief Librarian: Manages the library, develops community outreach programs, and advocates for library funding and support.
  • Library Manager: Assists the Chief Librarian, supervises staff, and oversees public services and community programs.
  • Reference Librarian: Provides research assistance and information services to the public, helping patrons find the information they need.
  • Library Assistant: Supports library users, manages check-in/check-out processes, organizes events, and maintains the library’s collection.

3. School Libraries

  • School Librarian (Head Librarian): Develops and manages library resources, collaborates with teachers to support the curriculum, and fosters a love of reading among students.
  • Library Technician: Assists in cataloging, maintaining the library system, and supporting students and staff in using library resources.
  • Library Assistant: Manages daily operations, helps students find resources, and organizes library activities and reading programs.

4. Special Libraries

  • Chief Librarian: Directs the library, focusing on specialized collections (e.g., medical, legal, corporate), manages budgets, and develops strategic plans.
  • Special Collections Librarian: Manages unique collections, archives, and rare materials, ensuring their preservation and accessibility.
  • Technical Services Librarian: Oversees cataloging, digital resource management, and library technology systems.
  • Library Assistant: Assists with maintaining the specialized collections, providing access to resources, and supporting users’ research needs.

5. Government and National Libraries

  • Director/Chief Librarian: Leads the library, oversees national information policies, and manages extensive collections and services.
  • Division Head: Supervises specific departments like archives, digitization, and public services.
  • Research Librarian: Provides in-depth research support to government officials and agencies, manages data and information retrieval.
  • Library Assistant: Supports the daily functions, assists with public inquiries, maintains records, and supports archival processes.

6. Corporate Libraries

  • Corporate Librarian (Chief Librarian): Manages the library, develops information resources to support business objectives, and ensures access to market research and industry data.
  • Information Specialist: Curates and manages industry-specific information, conducts research, and supports corporate projects and decision-making.
  • Technical Librarian: Manages digital resources, databases, and information systems.
  • Library Assistant: Supports the library’s operations, assists staff in accessing resources, and manages library databases and records.

Skills and Competencies Required:

For Chief Librarians:

  • Leadership and management skills
  • Strategic planning and policy development
  • Budget management
  • Advocacy and community engagement

For Assistant Librarians and Managers:

  • Supervisory skills
  • Program development and coordination
  • Collaboration with stakeholders
  • Collection development and management

For Cataloguers and Technical Staff:

  • Proficiency in cataloging standards (e.g., MARC, RDA)
  • Knowledge of integrated library systems (ILS)
  • Digital resource management
  • Technical troubleshooting

For Library Assistants:

  • Customer service skills
  • Basic cataloging and classification knowledge
  • Familiarity with library management software
  • Organizational and clerical skills

Library professionals in Nepal work in diverse environments, each contributing to the overall mission of promoting knowledge, literacy, and information access. Their roles vary from strategic leadership to hands-on support, all crucial for the efficient functioning and development of library services.