Exploring the Library and Information Science Profession: Skills, Competencies, and Ethics in Librarianship
Unit -. 5. Library and Information Science Profession – Librarianship as a Profession, Professional Skills and Competences; Professional Ethics
This section offers a comprehensive, exam-centric investigation into the status of librarianship as an established profession. It transitions from the historical perspective of librarians as mere custodians of books to modern knowledge professionals equipped with advanced competencies. The chapter meticulously covers the characteristics of a profession, Dr. S.R. Ranganathan's "Seven Lamps of Conduct," core professional and personal competencies, and the critical framework of professional ethics promulgated by international bodies (ALA, LA) and Indian councils (JOCLAI). Tailored strictly for UGC NET, SET, and other LIS competitive examinations, this chapter emphasizes high-yield facts, ethical frameworks, and conceptual distinctions.
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between occupation, vocation, and profession within the context of Library and Information Science (LIS).
Identify the essential characteristics that elevate librarianship to the status of a profession.
Master Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s "Seven Lamps of Conduct" for library professionals.
Categorize the skills of an LIS professional into Professional Competencies and Personal Competencies.
Analyze the Code of Ethics for LIS professionals at the international level (ALA, LA) and the national level (JOCLAI, 1989).
Introduction Library and Information Science (LIS) is a noble, service-oriented profession. Historically, the librarian was viewed primarily as a scholar or a custodian of physical books. However, in the contemporary knowledge society, the paradigm has shifted drastically. Today, librarianship involves the systematic application of specialized knowledge for the benefit of society. A modern library professional must possess a unique blend of technical expertise, human relations skills, and an unwavering commitment to professional ethics. For aspirants of LIS competitive examinations, a thorough understanding of professional benchmarks, ethical codes, and competency standards is indispensable.
Key Definitions
Profession: A paid occupation that requires extensive education, intensive training, and mastery over specific skills, governed by a code of ethics and oriented towards societal service.
Occupation: A general term for any regular work or job done to earn a livelihood, which may or may not require specialized intensive training.
Professional Ethics: A set of acceptable standards and moral guidelines that determine, set, and maintain professional performance and conduct.
Competencies: The interplay of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes required to do a job effectively.
Detailed Theory
1. Characteristics of Librarianship as a Profession Librarianship firmly qualifies as a profession because it possesses the following foundational characteristics:
A specialized body of knowledge imparted in LIS schools.
Intensive training and continued practice for knowledge organization and retrieval.
A primary orientation towards service to society.
Professional associations (e.g., ILA, ALA, IFLA) that bind practitioners together.
Standardized terminology and practices.
A stringent Code of Ethics.
2. Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s "Seven Lamps of Conduct" Dr. S.R. Ranganathan prescribed specific ethical and behavioural norms for library professionals, famously known as the "Seven Lamps of Conduct." They are highly tested in competitive exams:
Impersonal Book Selection: Selection must be objective, based on user needs, not personal bias.
Service Before Self: The reader's need supersedes the librarian's personal convenience.
Split-Mind: The ability to handle multiple queries and tasks simultaneously without losing focus.
Sympathetic Behaviour: Approaching users with empathy and understanding.
Tact: Skill and sensitivity in dealing with different user personalities.
Industry: Hard work, diligence, and constant application to duties.
Scholarship: Continuous learning and mastery over the universe of knowledge.
3. Professional Skills and Competencies Modern LIS professionals must possess two broad categories of competencies:
Professional Competencies: Relate to the librarian's knowledge in the areas of information resources, technology, management, and research. Examples include:
Knowledge of reference/information sources.
Expertise in conducting reference interviews.
Technology skills (database searching, Web 2.0, digital libraries).
Knowledge management and marketing skills.
Personal Competencies: Relate to a set of attitudes, skills, and values that enable practitioners to work effectively. Examples include:
Curiosity & General Knowledge: Continuously updating oneself on current events.
Communication Skills: Tactful, polite, and effective interaction.
Good Memory: To recall sources and previous queries rapidly.
Patience & Empathy: Wearing a non-judgmental, "Mona Lisa" smile while assisting users.
4. Professional Ethics in LIS Ethics are the moral principles governing the conduct of professionals.
International Codes: The American Library Association (ALA) and the Library Association (LA, UK - now CILIP) have formulated robust codes. The LA Code of Professional Conduct even mandates that breaches be presented before a Disciplinary Committee, which can suspend or expel a member.
Indian Context (JOCLAI): In 1989, the Joint Council of Library Associations in India (JOCLAI) finalized a draft code of ethics. It covered 8 essential aspects, including service to clientele, professional upgradation, relationship with resources, timely service, and cultivation of professional ethics.
Amitabha Chatterjee's Principles: Suggested aspects like loyalty to the institution, integrity of character, team spirit, service above self, and impartiality.
Tables and Comparisons
Table 1: Professional vs. Personal Competencies
Feature | Professional Competencies | Personal Competencies |
Nature | Acquired through formal LIS education and training. | Inherent traits, developed through experience and attitude. |
Focus | Systems, tools, resources, and technical processes. | Human interaction, adaptability, and mindset. |
Examples | Database searching, cataloguing, indexing, budgeting. | Empathy, patience, excellent memory, communication skills. |
Timeline/Chronology
Late 19th Century: Transition of librarianship from a scholarly hobby to a formal profession (e.g., ALA founded in 1876).
1931: Dr. S.R. Ranganathan publishes the Five Laws, embedding strong ethical and service-oriented foundations.
1989: JOCLAI finalizes the draft code of ethics for Indian LIS professionals.
1996 (Revised 2003): Special Libraries Association (SLA) issues "Competencies for Special Librarians of the 21st Century".
2003: RUSA Task Force issues "Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarian".
Flowcharts/Classifications
Structure of LIS Ethics & Competencies:
LIS Professional
Core Competencies
Professional Skills: Subject Expertise, IT Skills, Cataloguing
Personal Skills: Empathy, Tact, Communication, Memory
Ethical Framework
Ranganathan's Seven Lamps: Impersonal Selection, Split-mind, etc.
Formal Codes: ALA Code, LA Disciplinary Code, JOCLAI (1989) Draft
Remember for Exams
Seven Lamps of Conduct: Exclusively propounded by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan.
Split-Mind: An ethical lamp meaning the ability to divide attention effectively between a reader's query and the library's resources.
JOCLAI Draft (1989): The major milestone for a unified code of ethics in India.
Disciplinary Committee: Associated strongly with the Library Association (LA/CILIP) Code of Professional Conduct.
Mona Lisa Smile: Thomas et al. metaphorically stated a reference librarian must wear a non-judgmental "Mona Lisa" smile and possess an exceptional memory.
Previous Year Exam Focus Areas
UGC NET frequently asks to identify which among a given list is not one of Ranganathan's "Seven Lamps of Conduct."
Assertion-Reason questions testing the difference between professional skills (like database searching) and personal competencies (like patience).
Identifying the year and body responsible for the Indian draft code of ethics (JOCLAI, 1989).
Practice Questions
1. Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Which of the following is NOT one of the "Seven Lamps of Conduct" prescribed by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan for library professionals?
A) Impersonal book selection
B) Split-mind
C) Authoritarian management
D) Sympathetic behaviour Hint: Ranganathan advocated for service and empathy, not strict control.
2. Assertion–Reason Question
Assertion (A): Librarianship is universally recognized as a fully-fledged profession rather than a mere occupation.
Reason (R): It is characterized by a specialized body of knowledge, intensive training, a strong service orientation to society, and is governed by a code of ethics.
A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
D) (A) is false, but (R) is true
3. Match the Following
List I (Professional Terms) | List II (Concepts/Bodies) |
Seven Lamps of Conduct | Dr. S.R. Ranganathan |
Draft Code of Ethics in India (1989) | JOCLAI |
Disciplinary Committee for misconduct | Library Association (LA, UK) |
Personal Competency | Tact and Good Memory |
A) a-iv, b-ii, c-i, d-iii
B) a-ii, b-iv, c-iii, d-i
C) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
D) a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii
4. Multiple Statements Question According to the principles of LIS competencies, which of the following represent Personal Competencies of an information professional?
Proficiency in MARC 21 cataloguing.
Possessing a non-judgmental attitude and an exceptional memory.
Strong communication skills and tact.
Knowledge of database management systems (DBMS).
A) I and IV only B) II and III only C) I, II, and III only D) II, III, and IV only
5. Chronological Arrangement Question
Arrange the following milestones related to LIS professionalism and ethics in ascending chronological order:
I. Special Libraries Association (SLA) issues Competencies for Special Librarians.
II. Dr. S.R. Ranganathan publishes the Five Laws of Library Science.
III. Joint Council of Library Associations in India (JOCLAI) finalizes a draft code of ethics.
A) II, III, I
B) I, II, III
C) II, I, III
D) III, II, I
6. Case Study/Comprehension-Based Question A reference librarian at a university is assisting a researcher. The librarian personally dislikes the topic of the researcher's dissertation. However, the librarian completely masks their personal bias, objectively recommends the best primary sources, and simultaneously keeps an eye on the reference desk to ensure no other user is kept waiting long. Question: Which two of Ranganathan's "Seven Lamps of Conduct" is the librarian actively demonstrating? A) Scholarship and Industry B) Impersonal book selection/service and Split-mind C) Sympathetic behaviour and Scholarship D) Industry and Tact
7. Data Interpretation (Applied Knowledge) Question
A survey of ethical complaints in a public library system over a decade reveals the following data:
Breach of user privacy/confidentiality: 45%
Bias in book selection: 25%
Misuse of library funds: 20%
Discourteous behaviour towards users: 10% According to the ALA Code of Ethics and Ranganathan’s principles, the most frequently occurring violation in this library system directly conflicts with which ethical mandate?
A) The mandate to maintain up-to-date technological skills.
B) The mandate to protect the confidentiality and privacy of library users.
C) The mandate for Impersonal Book Selection.
D) The mandate for Sympathetic Behaviour.
Answer Key with Explanations
C - "Authoritarian management" is not a lamp of conduct. The seven lamps are Impersonal book selection, Service before self, Split-mind, Sympathetic behaviour, Tact, Industry, and Scholarship.
A - Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) correctly explains (A). The transition of librarianship to a profession is justified precisely because it fulfills criteria like specialized knowledge, training, societal service, and ethical codes.
A - Seven Lamps $\rightarrow$ Ranganathan (iv); Draft Code (1989) $\rightarrow$ JOCLAI (ii); Disciplinary Committee $\rightarrow$ LA, UK (i); Personal Competency $\rightarrow$ Tact/Memory (iii).
B - Statements II and III are Personal Competencies. Statements I (MARC 21) and IV (DBMS) are Professional/Technical Competencies.
A - Five Laws (1931) $\rightarrow$ JOCLAI Draft Ethics (1989) $\rightarrow$ SLA Competencies (1996/2003).
B - Masking personal bias reflects "Impersonal service/selection." Keeping an eye on the desk while helping someone reflects the "Split-mind" capability (handling multiple tasks simultaneously).
B - The highest percentage of complaints (45%) relates to the breach of user privacy, which is a core ethical mandate in international codes of ethics like that of the ALA.
Glossary
JOCLAI: Joint Council of Library Associations in India; responsible for the 1989 draft code of ethics.
Mona Lisa Smile: A metaphor used in LIS literature indicating the welcoming, patient, and non-judgmental demeanor expected of a reference librarian.
Split-Mind: One of Ranganathan's Seven Lamps, denoting a librarian's ability to seamlessly divide their attention across multiple professional tasks.
Quick Revision Notes
Profession vs. Occupation: A profession requires specialized formal education, training, and adherence to ethical codes.
Ranganathan's Seven Lamps: Impersonal selection, Service before self, Split-mind, Sympathetic behaviour, Tact, Industry, Scholarship.
Competencies: Divided into Professional (tech/subject skills) and Personal (empathy, memory, communication).
Ethics Codes: ALA Code of Ethics; LA Code of Professional Conduct (has a Disciplinary Committee); JOCLAI 1989 draft for India.
The Library and Information Science (LIS) profession has evolved from a purely custodial role to a dynamic, specialized field fundamentally driven by a commitment to public service. Librarianship exhibits all the hallmarks of a true profession: a rigorous body of theoretical knowledge, specialized training, active professional associations, and strict codes of ethics. A competent LIS professional must seamlessly blend professional skills—such as database management, cataloguing, and reference strategies—with personal competencies like empathy, tact, and an exceptional memory. Ethical conduct is the bedrock of the profession, guided internationally by frameworks from the ALA and CILIP (formerly LA), and in India by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s "Seven Lamps of Conduct" and the JOCLAI draft code of 1989. For competitive examinations, mastering these specific ethical lamps, chronological developments, and the distinct boundaries of professional versus personal competencies is absolutely essential.
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