Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: Students and job aspirants of Library Science and Information Technology have placed a set of long-standing demands before the Odisha Government, seeking major reforms in library education, recruitment and digitalisation of the State's library system.

The aspirants have called for the establishment of a separate Directorate for Library Science and Information Technology in Odisha, saying it would help ensure better planning, administration, coordination and implementation of policies related to libraries, library education and information services.

Demand for UG and PG courses

One of their major demands is the introduction of Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses in Library Science and Information Technology in State Government Universities and Government Colleges across Odisha.

The students have specifically sought the introduction of these courses at Rama Devi Women's University (RDWU) from the upcoming academic session.

They have also urged the government to expand Library Science and Information Technology education in Government Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVS) and other government educational institutions wherever required.

Vacant posts in focus

The aspirants have also demanded the identification and early filling of vacant teaching and non-teaching posts related to Library Science.

According to their demands, vacancies should be filled in State Government Universities, 488-category colleges, Government Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools, OAVS and other government educational institutions through a transparent and regular recruitment process.

They believe filling these posts would not only strengthen the library system in educational institutions but also create employment opportunities for qualified Library Science graduates and job aspirants.

Push for E-Libraries & digitalisation

Another key demand is the comprehensive development of e-Libraries, digitalisation and modernisation of government libraries and educational institution libraries.

The aspirants have sought adequate infrastructure, digital resources, trained manpower and technology-enabled services to modernise the library system across Odisha.

They said a digitally empowered library network would improve access to information for students, researchers and other library users while keeping the State's library services in line with changing technological needs.

Five major demands

The students and job aspirants have urged the Odisha Government to take concrete and time-bound steps on five major issues:

Establish a separate Directorate for Library Science and Information Technology.

Introduce UG and PG courses in Government Universities, 488-category colleges and Government Colleges.

Expand Library Science and Information Technology education in Higher Secondary Schools, OAVS and other government institutions wherever required.

Identify and fill all vacant teaching and non-teaching posts related to Library Science.

Develop e-Libraries, digital infrastructure and modern technology-enabled library services across the State.

The aspirants said these measures could strengthen Library Science education, improve the functioning of libraries and create greater opportunities for higher education, skill development and employment.

They have appealed to the Odisha Government to consider their demands and issue necessary directions to the concerned departments for their implementation.

The students and job aspirants expressed hope that the government would take appropriate, concrete and time-bound action, keeping in view the interests of students, qualified job seekers, educational institutions and library users across Odisha.