Have an interesting and fulfilled career as a modern Librarian

Today’s librarian is a busy person who will possibly be walking ten miles a day inside a library. The workroom of a library is generally, a beehive with all the technical activities like acquisitions, cataloguing, classifying, indexing, abstracting etc. going on.

On the contrary, what you can see is in a library is only a well arranged neat rows of books with quiet inviting sitting areas and a staff member sitting in a corner “trying” to do some work or not doing anything (as you see).

The wrong picture the world gets is that the profession of librarianship is where you can comfortably sit and while away your time while getting paid!!!! This is because most people do not know the work involved in a library. The work is done behind doors where you will find a board “Staff Only”.

What is visible to you is only the dressed up books neatly arranged in rows according to the subject areas covered by them. The work involved in getting those books on the shelf, in accurate subject order is not recognized.

The techniques involved are indexing, classification and cataloguing, keywording etc. and these are not just haphazardly carried out, but done according to a set of international rules.

These techniques help the librarian to effectively help the user to identify his needs and provide the necessary guidance to locate the reading materials required to satisfy such needs. The staff members whom you, the public, can see are waiting to help you to find the information/knowledge you are looking for.

In addition to all these areas, general management techniques are necessary to run a library. Purchase procedure, inventories, accounting, personnel management, office administration, IT application, library building and maintenance, standardisation etc., are adequately covered by the courses run by the Sri Lanka Library Association in keeping with the developments and changes in the profession here as well as in the developed countries.

Sri Lanka Library Association

The Sri Lanka Library Association founded in 1960 and incorporated by the Parliamentary Act No. 20 of 1974, amended by Act No. 07 of 2004, is the pioneer in conducting a professional diploma course in Librarianship and Information Science for the past 43 years.

In accordance with the Act, SLLA is authorised to conduct professional examinations in librarianship, to train librarians and to issue certificates of proficiency. The association is a founder member of the Organisation for Professional Associations (OPA) in Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Library Association (COMLA) and a member of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA).

Membership

We have two categories in our membership as Corporate (Associates) and Non-Corporate.

Associateship is awarded on the successful completion of the three tiered diploma course or any other equivalent or higher qualification from a recognized institution accepted by the SLLA along with a two year supervisory work experience under a chartered librarian after obtaining the professional qualification. All associate members are first enrolled as non-corporate members.

Non-Corporate membership is awarded to those who successfully complete the SLLA diploma course or any other equivalent or higher qualification from a recognized institution and which is accepted by the SLLA. Fellowships are awarded only on merit based on approved criteria. Associates carry the designation, ALA (Sri Lanka) and Fellows, FLA (Sri Lanka).

The work of the Association is carried out through several groups and committees. The Education Committee manages the educational activities of the association, the Continuing Professional Development Committee ensures that the membership is kept aware of the latest advances in the field, the Information Technology Committee provides IT assistance to the work of the association and also conducts an IT course in librarianship.

The different types of libraries such as school, public, government, academic and special are grouped separately to enable the organization of programmes relevant to the interests of these different categories of libraries. However, several common programmes are also organized for the benefit of our members, students and interested persons.

In Sri Lanka modern librarianship has started budding up. The arena of opportunity offers positions like, information analyst, indexer, cataloguer, classifier, resource manager, knowledge manager and so many other designations which are sub-areas in librarianship.

A full fledged librarian is skilled in all these areas but today, what a librarian learns in our diploma course can be utilized in a specific job as mentioned above. There is a growing demand for librarians qualified in English medium in Sri Lanka.

Librarianship carries a history going back to the beginning of writing, clay tablets, scroll writing etc. up to the time of the invention of printing. The first revolution in librarianship occurred with the establishment of the printing industry when books were available for purchase.

The libraries began to organize the printed material methodically so that the users can easily find what they wanted. This trend developed to include audiovisual material and services like library co-operation. The education of librarians was enhanced with universities recognizing to offer up to doctoral degrees in librarianship.

Information explosion that took place in the 80s with the introduction of the Internet had a tremendous bearing on the profession of librarianship changing the aspects into a more technological sphere.

Today, librarianship seems to be subsumed by information technology to the extent that the name librarian appears to be obsolete in certain areas and librarians have become skilled in information and communication technologies to retrieve and disseminate information.

Actually, ICT, and information management, the job of librarians, go hand in hand in the modern world.

Not only where the work is concerned but also the appearance or the portrayal of the librarian has changed today. Although dominantly a woman’s job, it has titillated the interests of men who are now trickling into this profession.

Our education programme caters to three different groups.

* Non-professional non-library personnel - those who aspire to be librarians

* Non-professional library personnel - Those who are already working in libraries and who do not possess any professional qualification or training in librarianship.

* Professionals - Members of the SLLA who wish to improve and enhance their knowledge and skills.

Diploma in Library and Information Science

Our diploma course is a three tiered, two level course running into three years. Our aim is to produce fully qualified professionals on achieving this diploma.

To be continued next week

Questions and Answers

Declaration of Assets by Parliamentarians

Question: There is a statutory requirement for all members of the Parliament to declare their assets which I understand are observed in default. I am also made to understand that the OPA also took up this matter. Grateful if you could reply me of due outcome of the OPA’s efforts if any. It will be useful to the public as well.

- Dr. Jayasuriya - Maharagama

Answer: The requirement for the declaration of assets and liabilities by Public Officials which includes Politicians holding public office is covered by Act No. 1 of 1975, Act No. 29 of 1985 and amending Act No. 74 of 1988. The objective is to monitor the acquisition of wealth by Public Officials with a view to preventing Bribery and Corruption.

The Law requires MPs, Ministers, members of Local Authorities, Chairmen and Directors of State Corporations, Office Bearers of Political Parties, Trade Unions and Public Servants of Categories referred to in Section 2 of the Act to make a declaration of their Assets and Liabilities as at 31st March each year. Assets include movable and immovable assets in and outside Sri Lanka.

The Declaration has to be made in the case of MPs to the Speaker, Ministers, Judges and others appointed by the President to the President, and others to the head of the department. Failure to make a return within three months, making a false declaration or willful omission of any asset or liability is a punishable offence. A citizen is entitled to examine a declaration and obtain a copy on payment of a prescribed fee.

While a citizen can complain to a Magistrate regarding any false statement or any omission in any person’s declaration, he is required to deposit substantial security against costs and damages in court before a summons may be issued.

The Commission to investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption which was established under Act No. 19 of 1994 is empowered to prosecute persons who have not complied with the provisions of the Law.

While previously the Commission may initiate investigations on its own, amendments to the Act now requires a complaint in writing and severe penalties have been prescribed for a complainant who is found to have made a false or malicious complaint.

So, the legislation has been weighted heavily against complaints.

The OPA has written to the Speaker of Parliament, and to Leaders of Political Parties requesting for information on how many (not who) have submitted Declarations. We have had no satisfactory response. Only the JVP has replied stating that their MPs have filed declarations.

Unfortunately there is no requirement for Candidates to file their Declarations of Assets and Liabilities with their nomination papers. This should be made a mandatory requirement with punishment for non-compliance including loss of office.

The OPA will continue to take this matter up as a national issue with the relevant authorities and what is required is for civil society and the media to lobby for the strengthening of the law and in the meantime to insist on the implementation of the existing legal provisions.

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With Holding Tax on Interest for Year of Assessment 2007/08

Question: In terms of Section 133 of the amended Inland Revenue Act No. 10 of 2006 if an individual’s assessable income exceeds Rs. 600,000 per annum the Financial Institution will have to deduct WHT at the rate of 10%.

I wish to know whether the tax free allowance of Rs. 300,000 will or will not be applicable under this rule. If it is applicable how the allowance can be claimed in the tax return.

- W.P. Jayaratna

Answer: Yes, as published in the Daily News OPA page of 26th April 2007, the With Holding Tax for the year of Assessment 2007/08 has been revised and an individual has to make a declaration to the Bank. Banks have already sent these declaration forms to all their deposit holders.

Based on your interest income and your declaration the Banks will deduct 2 1/2% for interest income between Rs. 300,000 and Rs. 600,000 and 10% if Rs. 600,000 or more. In arriving at the 2 1/2% the Tax Department has taken into consideration the tax free allowances of Rs. 300,000 if not the rate would have been 5%.

Similarly the 10% rate is applicable to any amount above Rs. 600,000 where as an income tax or PAYE Tax payer will have to pay income tax at slabs starting from 5% for income in excess of this tax free Rs. 300,000 next slab of 10% upto Rs. 500,000 over and above the tax free allowance of Rs. 300,000 an so on, the rate goes up to 35%. This benefits the very high interest income earners and may not benefit persons earning annual interest just above Rs. 600,000.

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The President’s Fund

Question: I am a retired public servant and underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery on 12th October, 2006. I applied to the President’s Fund for financial assistance on 14th November, 2006. My application was turned down for failure to apply within one month of the date of surgery. This rule is not made known to applicants. However, I was late by a mere two days.

I appealed for reconsideration of the decision on 6th December, 2006 giving reasons for the two day delay. I sent two reminders to the Board Secretary. But neither an acknowledgement nor a response to my appeal has come.

I am surprised that an institution coming under His Excellency the President fails the common courtesy of an acknowledgement when he has often advised public servants thus: - attend to those who come to you with tears and send them back with a smile. This does not appear to be happening.

Finally in frustration sent a registered letter on 20/03/2007 personally addressed to Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, Secretary to the President, the top most public servant, asking him to cause a response to my appeal & reminders but sad to say no acknowledgement from him either. Two months have passed since then.

I am aware he is a busy gentleman and may not find the time to attend to these matters. But isn’t there anybody to attend to his mail?

To whom can I complain next? Could the OPA please assist? There reference is PF/M/T/O. Copies of correspondents with the board are attached for reference.

- N. Cassim-Kalubowila

Answer: We contacted the President’s Fund and as stated by them and confirmed by you, they have responded to your application saying “I regret very much to inform you that guide lines approved by the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund does not allow to give a reimbursement for requests submitted after one month from the date of Surgery”.

Normally one is expected to apply before surgery, however they have allowed one month even after surgery to consider any request for assistance. No one, not event the President will be willing to change the rules or even interfere. Even if one day late the rule will apply.

However, they will reply to your appeal if your could send it again to the New Address. Asst. Secretary - President’s Fund, No. 41, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Renuka Building. Colombo 1.

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Unsuccessful Cataract operation

Question: I got my two eyes operated, cataract operation in a leading private hospital in Colombo 3, under a famous Doctor at a cost of Rs. 60,000 for both eyes. Since then I went to this doctor several times and as one eye the sight was worse than before.

I told the Doctor but he said that it would be O.K. However as I was not satisfied with his explanation I visited another specialist who told me that the eye has got burnt and nothing can be done. Not satisfied I consulted another specialist who told me the same.

I am 79 years old, I left my job as I cannot work with one eye, and the Doctor whom I consulted last said to avoid driving and riding motorcycle. Kindly let me know if I can take legal action against the doctor who operated me.

- A.A. Gomez.

Answer: You can in the first instance make a written complain to the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) addressed to the Registrar, Sri Lanka Medical Council, 31, Norris Canal Road, Colombo 10 giving details (Name) of the Doctor who operated your eyes and the names of the two specialists you consulted.

The SLMC will contact the doctor concerned including evidence and if necessary subject to test of your eyes by a specialist appointed by them. The two specialists will be summoned to give evidence under oath.

If negligence on the part of the doctor who operated your cataract is established by the SLMC, they will take action. This will help you to obtain compensation by filing a civil case. Alternatively even without waiting for the SLMC inquiry and findings you can file a civil case claiming compensation.

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Year 2007 Grade I School Admission and the Supreme Court ruling.

Question: Children who were denied admission to National Schools in 2007 on the basis of the requirements in the relevant Education Ministry circular have taken their cases before the Human Rights Commission. The H.R.C. gave priority to these complaints and was in the process of inquiring into them when the Supreme Court decision invalidating this Circular was announced.

The H.R.C. thereafter suspended any further action on these complaints, and children whose cases were before the H.R.C. are now in a quandary as they are without a School for the last five months. Hundreds of children are stranded and the Education Ministry seems unconcerned.

Can you please verify and inform as to what steps the Education Ministry or the H.R.C. is taking in respect of these complaints which are in abeyance since the Supreme Court.

- A.R. Wimalaratne - Kelaniya

Answer: According to Education Ministry sources, the President has instructed the National Education Commission to draw up a plan for a way out of the situation that has been created due to the ruling of the Supreme Court. However, the National Education Commission has not presented the report to the President as yet. On receipt of the Report H.E. the President will submit it to the Supreme Court for a ruling.

As the matter has been decided by the Supreme Court, the Ministry has to wait for a ruling from the Courts.

Sad to say the Children will continue to be without schooling due to this legal implication. Over to you Minister of Education.

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LLB Degree Course in Open University

Question: The minimum requirement to sit for the entrance examination to the LLB Degree Course in the Open University is a Pass in three subjects at the GCE (A/Level) Exam.

However, I do not have the above qualification but had been a Class I Officer in the General Clerical Service and also have passed the Intermediate Exam of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators - London in 1971. I have gained wide experience working in several establishments. I am 63 years. Cannot the Open University grant some concession to Adult Students who does not have the above minimum qualifications?

- S.P. Perera - Ekala

Answer: According to Open University sources your age is not a barrier to sit for the Law entrance examination. You have passed many exams and if you are so interested you could have sat for the GCE (A/L) Exam as a private student and obtained the minimum qualifications to sit for the entrance examination.

The requirements for the entry examination has been approved by the University Senate and therefore these requirements cannot be changed to suit an individual, as the University may have to consider various requests from those who do not possess the minimum qualifications.