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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Now, a dictionary allows users to contribute their own words


Want to whet your wordy appetite? A popular publishing house is allowing users to coin new words and submit them on-line.

If the word is accepted, the submitter will be offered the chance to be permanently credited in the Collins' English dictionary website, www.Collinsdictionary.Com, below their word's definition.

Collins said opening the normally closed process would make the way the English language is recorded more democratic.

The site was launched last year and is based in Glasgow, where Collins English dictionary print editions and other best-selling reference titles are produced.
Collins editors have already submitted a selection of words, including 'omnishambles', originally from The Thick Of It and more recently used by Ed Miliband, 'superphone', tash-on', a word for kissing, popularised by reality TV show Geordie Shore, and 'twitlit'.

"We know people are passionate about the preservation and evolution of the English language, and we want to tap into that as new words continue to capture the public imagination," Alex Brown, head of digital at Collins, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying.

"For Collins on-line dictionary, it was essential that we keep our ear close to the ground listening out for new words emerging from pop culture, science and technology 'Most dictionaries are static. By allowing the public to truly participate, we're ensuring that we stay on top of the evolving English language," Brown said.

All words submitted will go through the same review process by the Collins dictionary editors.

According to publishers, the criteria for inclusion of words ranges from frequency of use, number of sources and staying power.

Evidence will be based on the publisher's 4.5 billion-word database of language called the Collins Corpus, which takes words from a wide range of spoken and written English sources, including newspapers, radio and social media.

Editors will provide the feed back on a submitted word within two or three weeks, and words that are not initially accepted will continue to be monitored and reviewed over the following year.

Datablib: Call for Editors


Databib is a International collaborative project of Purdue University Libraries, USA and Penn State Information Technology Services, USA. Databib, http://databib.org , is a tool for helping people to identify and locate online repositories of research data. Over 200 data repositories have been cataloged in Databib, with more being added every week. Users and bibliographers create and curate records that describe data repositories that users can browse and search.

  • What repositories are appropriate for a researcher to submit his or her data to?
  • How do users find appropriate data repositories and discover datasets to meet their needs?
  • How can librarians help patrons locate and integrate data into their research or learning?

Databib begins to address these needs for data users, data producers, publishers, librarians, funding agencies, and others engaged in data-driven research.

In addition to the website, Databib is made available using a variety of machine interfaces (RSS, RDF/XML, OpenSearch, RDFa/Linked Data) for easy integration with other tools and environments without restriction (CC0). Databib's international advisory board represents global support for collaborating to develop such a global registry of research data repositories.

The development of Databib was initially supported by a Sparks! Innovation National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

CALL FOR EDITORS

Nominations for an Editorial Board are being solicited to ensure the coverage and accuracy of Databib. Editors ideally will have expertise in a specific research domain or knowledge of research data repositories in a particular geographic region as well as experience with descriptive metadata. The primary role of an Editor is to review, edit, and approve submissions to Databib and contribute to the enhancement of the metadata and functionality of Databib for a voluntary, three-year term. The Editorial Board will meet (virtually) a minimum of twice a year and will correspond as needed by email.

Please send nominations or questions to databib@gmail.com, or visithttp://databib.org/about.php for more information.

पुस्तकालय में किताबें तलाशने का झंझट खत्म


- ऑनलाइन हुई बरेली कालेज की सेंट्रल लाइब्रेरी
- बुक सर्च के लिए लगे टच स्क्रीन कंप्यूटर
- नैक टीम के दौरे को लेकर की गई कवायद
जागरण संवाददाता, बरेली : बरेली कालेज की लाइब्रेरी में कोई भी किताब ढूंढने के लिए अब न तो अलमारियां खंगालनी नहीं पड़ेंगी न ही बुक कोड के लिए मशक्कत करना पड़ेगी। सेंट्रल लाइब्रेरी को ऑनलाइन करने से छात्रों को टच स्क्रीन कंप्यूटरों से पलक झपकते जानकारी मिल जाएगी।
बरेली कालेज की सेंट्रल लाइब्रेरी अपग्रेड करके ऑनलाइन कर दी गई है। यहां तीन टच स्क्रीन कंप्यूटर लगाए जा रहे हैं। किताब का नाम लिखने पर यह भी सर्च हो जाएगा कि जो किताब आप ढूंढ रहे हैं, वह लाइब्रेरी में है भी या नहीं। पुस्तकालयाध्यक्ष डॉ. बीडी यादव ने बताया कि किताबों का डाटा स्टोर लगभग पूरा हो चुका है। लाइब्रेरी में करीब 60 हजार किताबें हैं, जिनके नाम और लोकेशन कंप्यूटर सर्चिग में दिखेंगे। इसी महीने यह सुविधा मिलना शुरू हो जाएगी। अभी तक कोई भी किताब देखने के लिए पाठकों को पूरी लाइब्रेरी खंगालनी होती थी। लाइब्रेरी में कैटलॉग भी अपडेट नहीं था, जिससे दिक्कत और ज्यादा होती थी। नैक के दौरे की तैयारियों की कड़ी में कालेज की सेंट्रल लाइब्रेरी को अपडेट किया गया है।

British Library unveils online collaboration with Qatar


LONDON | Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:12pm IST
(Reuters) - More than half a million pages of historic documents detailing Arabic history and culture are to be made available online for the first time, as part of the British Library's plans to make its content more accessible.
Among the works is J.G. Lorimer's Gazetter, considered by many to be one of the most important sources on the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia, which was originally compiled in the early 20th century as a handbook for British agents and policymakers in the Middle East.
The 8.7 million pound ($14 million) project will feature more than half a million documents from the East India Company and India Office as well as 25,000 pages of medieval Arabic manuscripts depicting the Arab world's science and medicine.
These materials could previously only be viewed by visiting the British Library's Reading Rooms in London.
The partnership between the British Library and the Qatar Foundation was announced on Wednesday and is aimed at expanding people's understanding of the history of the Middle East, and the region's relationship with Britain and the rest of the world.
"This is an opportunity for us to really make all these manuscripts available online and to describe the information ... and make it accessible to a wider public," British Library Curator of Middle Eastern Studies Colin Baker told Reuters.
The three-year project will involve various stages which include photographing each item, enhancing catalogue records in English and Arabic as well as adding geographic locations of origins for further research use.
The British Library's collection includes more than 150 million items such as the Magna Carta, Leonardo da Vinci's notebook and The Beatles manuscripts. It receives 3 million new items each year.
The records will be fully searchable and available online for free for the public to use and includes maps, photos, reports and correspondence relating to British and the rest of the world's involvement in the Arabian Gulf.
British Library director Oliver Urquhart Irvine told Reuters the plans to digitize these works are part of a bigger picture to put the library's entire collection online.
"We are blessed with a particularly large collection, so that would take a very long time. But this is part of a plan of the library to do that."
(Reporting by Li-mei Hoang, editing by Paul Casciato)

Librarian and Assistant Librarian Vacancy at Babu Banarsi Das Institute of Technology, Ghaziabad, U.P


Post: Librarian & Asst. Librarian

Experience: For Librarian 15 yrs exp. and 5 yrs for A.L

Institute: Babu Banarsi Das Institute of Technology,
7th Km Mile Stone from Ghaziabad, Duhai, Distt. Ghaziabad-2201206

Walk in on: 21-07-2012



Source: Dainik Jagran, New Delhi Ed. Page No. 05, 19 July 2012
The Times of India, 20 July 2012

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Digital Services & Emerging Technologies Librarian at Northwestern University, Chicago


Digital Services & Emerging Technologies Librarian
Northwestern University, Pritzker Legal Research Center,
Chicago, Illinois
Salary: Not Specified
Status:Full-time
Posted:07/17/12
Deadline:08/10/12
Digital Services & Emerging Technologies Librarian
The Pritzker Legal Research Center of Northwestern University School of Law invites dynamic and innovative librarians with interest and talents in electronic resources management, cataloging and metadata, and the uses of technology in education to apply for the position of Digital Services & Emerging Technologies Librarian.  The position is full time, requires 2 years of professional library experience, and is available immediately.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 10, 2012.  For a complete position announcement, or to apply, please visit www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers/, and search for “Digital Services” (position ID number 19517).
Apply for this job

Library Services Manager at Arcadia Public Library, Arcadia, California


Library Services ManagerBookmark and Share
Arcadia Public Library,
Arcadia, California
Salary: $84,132 to $105,060
Status:Full-time
Posted:07/18/12
Deadline:08/17/12
Library Services Manager
Under administrative direction, the Library Services Manager assists in the direction, management, supervision, and coordination of the City Library’s programs and activities; supervises, plans, and administers programs and services; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Library and Museum Services and oversees Library operations in the absence of the Director of Library and Museum Services. Please visit the City of Arcadia's website at www.ci.arcadia.ca.us for  full job description.
Final Filing Date: FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012 AT 4:00 P.M.    A City application is required and may be obtained at the Human Resources Division or by calling (626) 574-5405.  Resumes may be attached to the City application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application.  Application materials may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.ci.arcadia.ca.us.  E-mail or faxes will not be accepted. In addition to the City’s application, applicants must submit the Supplemental Application. Failure to submit with the application will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

Librarian for Collection Development Services (Cataloger) at Hood College Library, Frederick, Maryland


Librarian for Collection Development Services (Cataloger)
Hood College Library,
Frederick, Maryland
Salary: $43,600 to $43,600
Status:Full-time
Posted:07/18/12
Deadline:
Librarian for Collection Development Services (Cataloger)
Hood College Library, Frederick, Maryland, Cataloger.  The Librarian for Collection Development Services performs adaptive and original cataloging in all formats, including electronic and other non-print materials;  handles multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; provides and monitors proper cataloging procedures for all materials, and provides knowledgeable and appropriate guidance to the CDS Team. He or she represents the Library and Hood College at external professional events. Some evening and/or weekend work may be required. For complete description and application procedure see: https://re11.ultipro.com/HOO1003/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*23B5B5FD9A10DB07
Apply for this job

Public Services Librarian at Miami University Hamilton, Hamilton, Ohio


Name of Post- Public Services Librarian
Miami University Hamilton, Hamilton, Ohio
Salary: Not Specified
Status:Full-time
Posted:07/17/12
Deadline:08/13/12
Public Services Librarian
University Libraries (Hamilton Campus):  Public Services Librarian/Assistant Librarian to provide reference, collection management, and instructional services; apply usability and accessibility standards to create and maintain library web pages; conduct assessment and maintain relevant statistics; foster strong relationships with academic departments; contribute to library’s team organization; other duties as assigned; some evenings and weekends required. 
Require:  Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited institution; web site design and maintenance experience; commitment to quality public service; ability to work independently and with a team to carry out projects on a deadline; strong written and verbal communication skills; flexibility in an environment of continual change; commitment to meet Libraries’ requirements for promotion and continuing contract (see http://rocket.lib.muohio.edu/about/larps.pdf).
Desire: Experience providing or supporting instruction using distance-learning technologies and social media; experience with Drupal content management system; knowledge of Web 2.0 best practices as applied to libraries; experience teaching one-shot instruction sessions and credit courses; public service in an academic library.
Submit letter of application, resume and contact information for three professional references to muhlibsearch@muohio.edu. Screening of applications begins August 13, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.
Miami University is an EEO/AA employer with smoke-free campuses.
More information about Miami University can be found at the OEEO website at http://www.units.muohio.edu/oeeo/employment-recruitment
Right to Know-Consumer Information found at http://www.miami.muohio.edu/about-miami/publications-and-policies/student-consumer-info/.  Hard copy upon request.

A Matter of Degree: Is Library and Information Science Really The Worst Master’s Degree ?-- STEPHANIE BONJACK

Forbes.com gave a tip o’ the nib to my field and advanced degree recently in its annual “Best and Worst Master's Degrees for Jobs” list. Coming in at number one worst master’s degree was library and information science.  Given that most people don’t think about librarians outside of (let’s be honest!) porn contexts, I was pleasantly surprised to have so many people suddenly interested in my field.  But still, I was a little sad. All I could think was, really? Library science is really worse than English? And how come theatre didn’t even make it on the list?
Mean and cruel, I know.
There are two tasks for us to handle here. The first is to act like a librarian and examine the source. Where didForbes get this data, and is it reliable? Does this article represent the whole picture? Second, it’s worth taking some time to examine the field of library science. If there is some truth to the Forbes article, then it is critical that people interested in the field really know what it takes to get a job as a librarian and the type of work we do. Sitting at a desk reading books and shushing patrons isn’t it.

Data, Report to the Bridge

In her article, Jacquelyn Smith at Forbes refers to two data sets: the first from Payscale.com, and the second from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Payscale is a commercial database. Visitors create a free account and then build a career profile, inputting details like education, title, experience, and salary. The site then generates a report comparing your salary to that of other users with similar profiles. Payscale makes its money by selling this aggregate data to employers, which they use to set wages. How do we know if the data is accurate? Since users are basically anonymous, we can’t know if they’re honest when creating their profiles. One could argue that if the purpose of creating an account is to see what other people with similar jobs are making, then it is in one’s best interest to be honest. True, but the site will generate a report for you no matter what data you plug in, and there is no penalty for inaccurate representation. As a librarian, I always tell my patrons to be wary of commercial sites, since their motive is money, not accuracy. Payscale claims to own “the largest database of online employee salary data in the world,” but there is no way to verify the numbers. And while Payscale data is used by many major news sites, I prefer my data to come from non-commercial sources. Like the government.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that has been compiling, analyzing, and disseminating data on employment, wages, and spending since the 1880’s. You may know this department because it is the official source of the national unemployment rate, which it releases in a monthly report.That report is then disseminated through the media. The BLS is an amazing source of information, and this is really the place to go for a full view of employment in the United States. Here we find the projected employment increase Smith gives for each degree - it comes from the BLS Employment by Occupation table. The projected employment increase she lists for library science is 8.5%, but if you consult the table, you see that her number includes curators and archivists, who typically have additional training above the MLIS. I'm sad to report that the job growth for librarians is actually 6.9%. Smith selectively reports in other fields as well. For example, computer science is her second best master’s degree, with a projected employment increase of 27%, but the BLS table shows that level of growth specifically for software developers of applications. Computer programmers (who also get master’s degrees in computer science) only have a 12% projected increase in employment.  On the salary front, Smith’s numbers must come from Payscale, since they don’t match the salaries given in the Occupational Handbook.

Scotty, Beam Me Up

What does it all mean? For one, the Forbes article is… spin. It doesn’t give you the whole picture. As the President of the American Library Association, Maureen Sullivan, notes, salary and projected job growth are not intrinsically tied to job satisfaction. It's very easy to see which professions earn the highest median pay in the United States - just consult the Highest Paying Occupations table. And if you want to know which fields are going to experience the biggest growth, visit the Fastest Growing Occupations table. But are either of these factors going to help you choose a career?
And that brings me back to library science, which is neither the highest paying nor the fastest growing field, but it is dear to my heart (and to the other 156,000 librarians working in the U.S.). Justifying librarianship is like making a case for school teachers or firefighters or college professors, so I’m not going to do that here. A democracy requires librarians, and we’re not going away. We and our libraries are, however, subject to budget cuts, and we see this happening everywhere from small public libraries to Harvard. Does that mean you shouldn’t consider the field? No, but it is competitive, so proceed with your eyes open.

Education and Specialization

Library science is such a cool field because it encompasses so much diversity. For the sake of simplicity, let’s divide the field into three categories: public services, technical services, and administration. Public services encompasses all aspects of interacting with the public, from helping patrons find books and articles to teaching classes on library resources to building collections to support the community’s needs. Technical services is the backbone of the library. Librarians in technical services provide access to materials and information. They ensure that the items in your library are searchable online, build digital collections and repositories, and support new technologies. Administrators build community partnerships and push libraries to keep pace with the needs of their users. They also fight for our budgets and spaces and galvanize community support in the face of closures and cutbacks.
The entry level degree for librarianship is a master of library and information science. By the time you graduate, you should be strongly oriented toward a specific branch of service. Within that branch, you can specialize further. For example, within public services, we find librarians who specialize in everything from digital libraries to young adult services to data. (It's true! A data librarian directed me to the Bureau of Labor Statistics tables.) This focus will then lead you to the next level of training or education necessary to get a job. For example, most academic librarians have a master’s degree in their area of specialization. Specialization tends to broaden your marketability. It gives you both expert and generalist status - e.g., a government documents librarian can also serve as a social sciences librarian, but the reverse tends not to be true. A good way to get a sense of the desired credentials for your ideal library job is to consult the American Library Association’s JobLIST.
Finally, if you're interested in librarianship, talk to a librarian! Someone who is doing the kind of work that interests you can give you a clear  picture of what it took to get there. Librarians have a strong culture of mentorship and we want our colleagues to succeed.
We really are here to help.

Breaking News: Result of Library Assistant of The Indian Law Institute (ILI) declared


IGNOU invites applications for MLIS & BLIS Course for session 2012-13


IGNOU invites applications for masters and bachelors in library science for students aspiring to be employed in various libraries and information centers.
Information access, processing, organisation and dissemination are the core components of these programmes. Unlike the Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) courses of other universities, IGNOU’s MLIS programme puts emphasis on handling and access to information in all forms rather than the conventional library activities.
The MLIS programme is available to the candidates who have Bachelors in Library and Information Science (BLIS) degree or its equivalent from any recognised university and similar institutions. However, weightage will be given to the candidates having work experience in libraries, information centre or other related organisations.
The university also offers BLIS programme in response to the demand for a large number of trained personnel in libraries, documentation and information centers. The programme consists of nine courses, of these seven deal with the theoretical aspects of this discipline, while two courses are meant to provide practical exercises to the learners.
Candidates with second class bachelors degree’s along with 50 per cent marks are eligible to apply for the BLIS programme.
However, candidates with bachelors degree and diploma in library science or bachelors degree with two years of working experience in a library and information centre or bachelors degree in a professional area such as engineering, pharmacy, law et al are also eligible to apply.
The last date to apply for both the programmes is July 30, 2012 (without late fee) and August 14, 2012 (with a late fee of Rs 200).
The student prospectus is available at all the regional centers of the university as well as in the university’s headquarters and can be purchased for Rs 100 submitted along with the requisite fee in the form of a demand draft to the concerned regional center.

Librarian Vacancy at Mar Gregorios College Of Arts And Science , Chennai


CategoryTeacher/Trainer
EmployerMar Gregorios College Of Arts And Science
SalaryRs 7000 / month
Required experience3 years
DescriptionSalary 6000-8000, we are looking candidates completed MLISC/BLISC in Library Science with good exp, for job call between 10am to 5pm
LanguagesEnglish
Positions2
AddressMugappair West, Chennai
LocalityOfficers Training School, Chennai - 600037
Source: http://www.indeed.co.in/ 

Librarian Vacancy at - Vision Group of Institutions, Aligarh

Vision Institute of Technology- ALIGARH - AICTE Aprvd Engineering College-MTU Afilated(Code 524) needs Librarian
Campus:Shapur, Madrak, Aligarh-Agra Highway, Approx 8 km frm Sasni Gate, Near Manglayatan temple
Salary:
INR Less Than 50,000 - 1,25,000 P.A. Salary from 5000 to 10000 per month depending on qualification & experience. please apply Only if the salary suits your expectation

Librarian Vacancy at Swami Sachchidanand Polytechnic College


Walk - in - Interview
Swami Sachchidanand Polytechnic College
1st Shift & 2nd Shift 
Approved by AICTE 
Affiliated to GTU 
Eligible candidates may have to register their candidature on institute website: www.sspc.ac.in
Librarian
No. of Posts: 1
Location: Visnagar
Walk-in-Interview with original documents for the position as per the following schedule. 
Interview Time & Date: 10.00 a.m. onward on 28.07.2012
Written Examination will be conducted if required.

Place of Interview: Swami Sachchidanand Polytechnic College
Registration Time: 9.30 am to 10.00 on 28.07.2012

Pay Scale, Qualifications and Experience are as per the rules and regulations of AICTE/ GTU/ Govt. of Gujarat. However, for candidates with better qualification/ experience, higher salary may be considered. No TA DA will be paid.

Chairman

Swami Sachchidanand Polytechnic College
Kamana Char Rasta, Visnagar - 384 315,
Dist - Mehsana (N.G.)
Ph.: 02765 226745
Website: www.sspc.ac.in 

Asstt Library Professional and Library Counter Clerk at YMCA University of Science & Technology, Faridabad


YMCA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ,  FARIDABAD-121006 
    (Adv No.E-01/2012)  
Applications on the prescribed form are invited for the following vacant/resultant teaching/ technical supporting/non-teaching  posts  by 31.07.2012 :-  
Non-Teaching posts   
1. Asstt Library Professional 01(Gen)Tenure  9300-34800+3200 GP
2. Library Counter Clerk 01(Gen)Tenure  5200-20200+1900 GP


Application form and Information sheet containing details can be obtained from the office of Dy.Registrar (Estb) on cash payment of Rs.200/- (Rs.50/- for SC/ST) and by post on payment of Rs.250/- (Rs.100/- for SC/ST candidates) through Demand Draft in favour of Registrar, YMCA University of Science & Tech., payable at  Faridabad. The application form & Information sheet can also be downloaded from the university website www.ymcaust.ac.in The downloaded form must accompany Demand Draft of Rs.200/- (Rs.50/- for SC/ST) in favour of Registrar, YMCA University of Science & Tech payable at Faridabad. Qualifications for teaching posts are as perUGC/AICTE norms.   Reservation is only for Haryana Residents as per State Govt. Rules. The University reserves the right to increase/decrease the number of posts or it may not fill any of the posts advertised without assigning any reason.     The applications shall be short-listed and mere possession of minimum qualification & experience does not entitle a candidate to be called for interview.
More Information, at :http://ymcaust.ac.in/images/news/adv_post_0612.pdf                          
                            

Golden rules to nail success: Be job ready by arming yourself with these work ethics to be a thriving professional--Swati Rai



There are basic behavioural, personality and inter-personal skills that are expected of an employee on board any organisation. Apart from the hard skills that are tested at the personal interview, it is the incumbent's professional work ethos that just might make him/her the “most valued employee” of the year.
There is an overkill of usage of the word ‘professional’ these days. Essentially it means conforming to the standards of a particular profession. These standards may pertain to dress code, deportment, professional dealings and expected behaviour in sync with the organisatio’s goals. Keep these handy tips in mind to project yourself as a thorough professional which will help you sail through your worklife merrily
Dressed to ‘skill’
Restrict your Friday dressing to Fridays only. Your dress - and that includes the way you wear your hair- is your first impression each time. There are certain dress conventions in each industry relating to both men and women. These ought to be followed and respected at all times to project an image of surety and success. Reserve the blatant display of tattoos and body piercings for after work hours.
  • Avoid using too much of cologne or perfume as the case may be.
  • Unkempt, dishevelled hair or even excessive gelling of hair and extreme hairstyles are a strict no-no at work.
  • Women should avoid showing off the midriff, wearing skirts that are too tight or too short, open sandals or shoes.

Respect — A must have
This includes being courteous and trustworthy and adhering to the laid down norms. Respect for a fellow worker is the hallmark of a true professional. Do not be in a rush to pass a harsh judgement on a co-worker's personality. Everyone’s beliefs and ideas are a product of one’s background and its motivations are embedded in one’s past. So you can't expect them to align with your views always. When one is required to work in tandem it becomes important to respect a team member’s view. There can be disagreements and arguments over the correct approach to solve a problem, but don’t make it a public ego spat. This approach will make the team goals suffer in the long run and earn you the reputation of being a difficult worker.
Integrity — the most important skill
Once in a seat of responsibility, you are responsible for the decision you take, so consider the far reaching impact of your decision. To be a bankable employee, one on whose judgement and discretion the management has faith, weigh your words judiciously. Maintain neat records of the expenses incurred by you on behalf of the company and present them through the proper channel.
  • Lying, cheating, hiding facts, however trivial, will have a damaging effect on your commitment to the organisation.
  • Seek help in case it is required. It is better to seek help rather than suffering losses due to the lack of adequate knowledge.

Professionally speaking
You may be working for any sector, service or product but never forget that an organisation's main requirement is that the job is done efficiently and effectively. For this you have to respect deadlines, quality assurance and back-up services.
  • Do not waste time by engaging in gossip, loose talk or salacious talk at work, instead stick to plan A of work.
  • Try to steer clear of petty office politics.
  • n Share your knowledge, mentor the younger lot and guide them for the role of future leaders.
  • Do not be petty, selfish or mean in dealing with your subordinates.
  • Do not expose yourself by trying to hog the limelight by side-stepping a work ant as an astute senior would take note and that won’t work well for you.
  • Be an active volunteer in other related professional or voluntary organisation.
  • Work on honing your skills more and more.

Men and women @work
Do not ignore an informed constructive criticism not only from your boss but also from a fellow worker.
  • In work life be punctual and set an example and standard for yourself.
  • Keep your opinions of other people to yourself and concentrating on the job at hand.
  • While taking a professional decision don't let your personal feelings interfere with logic.
  • Be quick to accept a mistake and rectify it immediately also learn from it.
  • Before proceeding on leave finish your work and not wait for others to step in to your seat and execute your decisions and work on your behalf.
  • Learn to keep confidential details to yourself and not divulge information at the drop of a hat.
  • As a boss, be forthright yet fair while giving an appraisal oral or written.

Be social media savvy
Social networking sites are a great way to stay in touch and also enhance business development activities. It does not, however, mean that when you work at your desk you are logged on to Twitter and Facebook and logged out of work. Most corporates have a social media usage policy in place. Even if there is none then also it is good to limit virtual socialising at work. Moreover, one must also be cautious about airing controversial views or post pictures that can in any way harm the image and privacy of the company.
— The writer is an English language and life skills trainer

Source: The Tribune, 18 July 2012

ARCHIVAL STUDIES:Preserve and prosper --Usha Albuquerque

Imagine being able to see and read letters written by Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru or even older manuscripts from the Moghul period? With a rich historical repertoire stretching back centuries, there are probably millions of records of events, major declarations, treaties and also simple letters in museums, libraries and even homes across the country.
Institute watchOsmania University, Hyderabad
PG Diploma in Archival Science and Manuscriptology (one-year) Eligibility: Graduation with a three-year work experience.
Annamalai University
PG diploma in Archives Keeping (part-time)
Gandhigram Rural Institute, Gandhigram
PG diploma in Archives and Documentation and Management. Eligibility: Graduation with experience in library/archives/certificate in library science.

While many of these are today available for us to see, read or research upon, there are probably thousands of documents across the country still waiting to be discovered and thus professionals are needed to catalogue, maintain and preserve them for posterity.
This is the work of an archivist — they are scholars and curators who collect and preserve archives or records of historical, cultural, administrative and artistic interest, and of art and other objects. They plan, devise and implement systems for the safekeeping of records and historically valuable documents. Archives can include manuscripts, letters, papers, maps, drawings most of which were handwritten hundreds of years ago, as well as printed historical documents and microfilmed material.
In India, most of this material has been housed in the national archives gallery in New Delhi and in hundreds of museums and offices across the country.
The work
Archivists are specially trained in evaluating and preserving records for administrative, historical, legal, evidential and other purposes. The work involves:
  • Researching the origin, distribution and use of materials and objects of cultural and historical interest. Often they are called upon to read and interpret old-fashioned hand-writing and archaic words and phrases.
  • Organising, developing and maintaining collections of artistic, cultural, scientific or historically significant items
  • Directing or undertaking classification and cataloguing of museum and art gallery collections and organising exhibitions. This is painstaking and time consuming work as each unit - volume, map, paper or bundle of papers - has to be described and given a reference number.
  • Preserving historically significant and valuable documents such as government papers, private papers, photographs, maps, manuscripts, audio-visual materials
  • Preparing scholarly papers and reports
  • Archivists are also required to organise exhibitions and special displays at museums and art galleries for general or specialised interest, and to source and acquire archival materials so as to build and develop al collection for research purposes.
  • With increasing efforts to maintain computerised records of data, they also need to manage electronic records and microfilmed archives.
  • Other jobs in this field are those of conservators, who work with archivists to carefully clean and repair damaged and delicate materials of historical relevance. Conservators are especially knowledgeable about chemicals, tools, and methods used during conservation treatment.
  • As more and more records are being preserved electronically, there are also requirements for computer specialists, and digital imaging specialists and other information science specialists.

Getting in

In order to get into this field you must have an interest in history and in research and documentation work. To work in the national archives, or to become a curator, you need a master’s degree in ancient/medieval Indian history or an MA/MSc. in archaeology/ anthropology or professional training from the School of Archival Studies, attached to the National Archives — the institute set up by the government to train specialised professionals in researching and maintaining the national archives. It runs short-term courses for professionals and those interested in the subject. These courses cover a diploma in archival studies, management of records, reprographics covering microfilming and handling of automated information, and information science. The training involves fieldwork, laboratory work as well as theoretical knowledge, and students are exposed to the latest in the field through regular contact with other internationally renowned archives, such as the Smithsonian Institute and the London Archives.
The courses at the School of Archival Studies include:
  • Diploma in Archival Studies (one-year): A minimum of 50 per cent in MA (history) with at least one paper in Modern Indian History
  • Certificate courses (eight weeks): In archives administration, reprography, care and conservation of books, manuscripts and archives. Minimum qualification is graduation degree.
  • Certificate course (four weeks): In records management for personnel employed in archival repositories and record rooms in government, public and private organisations.
  • Sub-professional course (eight weeks): In servicing and repair of books for personnel employed in record rooms of ministries, libraries and other departments.

Job prospects
The major openings for archivists are with the National Archives of India which houses all historical data at its headquarters in Delhi and regional offices in Bhopal and Jaipur, The National Museum in New Delhi and the many state museums across the country, as also specialised museums and organisations such as the Indian national Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Defence Services that run and maintain their own records, the Films Division where old films need to be preserved, the All-India Handicrafts Board and others also take on specialists from this field. Research and training opportunities are also provided by the Indian Council of Historical Research, and INTACH. The historical division of the Ministry of External Affairs also takes on researchers in the Cultural Affairs Division. There are also several private collectors who provide employment for researchers and conservators. Business houses such as the Tatas, Mahindras, Birlas and others have set up their own museums and maintain archives of historical value.
However, there are ancient and valuable historical records and archives at state level institutions, universities and libraries housed in old buildings, in deteriorating and deplorable condition and badly need to be kept in sealed, temperature-controlled environment where trained archivists can research, classify, catalogue and preserve this vital heritage of the country, offering many opportunities for those who come into this field.
Archival studies is not a well known or popular career and just a handful of students venture into this field in India as compared to those in other countries. But it can be an enriching and fascinating career for anyone with a strong interest in history, and a perceptive and probing mind.
— The writer is Director, Careers Smart Private Ltd, New Delhi

Source: The Tribune, 18 July 2012

Penguin launches e-books


Plans on pushing out close to 800 titles by the end of the year

Penguin Books India has launched its first instalment of e-books, with over 200 titles presently available, paving the way for a fledgling e-book market.
While the announcement precedes Flipkart’s proposed e-book launch, the company is initially targeting major international retailers such as Amazon and Apple and plans on including Indian retailers soon.
Digital model
“The idea behind this is to basically catch up on the digital model of publishing. While the current tranche consists of 240 Indian titles, which includes all the new books published in 2012, we are planning on pushing out close to 800 titles by the end of the year,” said Ananth Padmanabhan, Vice-President, Sales, Penguin Books India.
“Over the course of the year, we will continue to publish from the remaining best-seller backlist, and by January 2013, we plan to offer all new books in print and e-book editions,” he said.
E-books, which by the end of the year will contribute to 5 per cent of Penguin Book India’s revenue, have become popular due to the rapid growth of tablets and smartphones along with expansion of the Indian publishing industry.
Presently, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry estimates that the publishing industry is growing at a compounded rate of 30 per cent annually.
Indian retailers
While Indian readers will presently have to buy from international retailers, thereby paying a higher price, Penguin Books India hopes that will change soon.
“When we look at Indian retailers, which can provide a rupee price to customers, there are a number of security audits which we have to do to make sure that there is no software piracy and digital rights management issues. We are currently in talks and hope to have something solid soon, while the e-book industry develops here,” Mr. Padmanabhan said.
“E-books are a serious consideration for revenue generation, in the next three years we are looking at it contributing close to 15 per cent of our revenue.
“However we believe that it will continue to flourish along with the print publishing, one will not cannibalise the other.”

--by Anuj Srivas

Courtesy: The Hindu, Delhi;   July18,  2012