PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT: A Case Study of Public Libraries in Manipur Memori Sagolsem, Research Scholar, DLIS, Manipur University. Th. Purnima Devi, Reader, DLIS, Manipur University. Ch. Vikas, Sr. Library Assistant, College of Home Science, CAU, Meghalaya.

Objectives of the study 1.To find out the present status of digital environment in Manipur public libraries; 2.To evaluate the need of manpower training for implementation of IT application; 3.To reveal the attitude of the staff towards the implementation of IT in the libraries; 4.To assess and evaluate the opportunities available to library personnel for their career growth and development; 5.To highlight the problems of IT application.

Strength of professional staffs in Manipur public libraries The above table shows that the number of professionals in the public libraries amounted for only 40% while the non-professionals amounted to 60%.

Strength of staff with IT knowledge The above charts shows a meager number of professionals (33%) and non-professionals (27%) having the knowledge of IT. Thus, it is high time for the library authorities to arrange proper IT training programmes for all the staffs.

Attitudes of the staffs towards IT & its application in the public libraries The table reveals that majority of the staffs were aware of IT and were in favor of application of IT in the public libraries.

Satisfaction of manpower issues The above table indicates that only few number of staffs responded “satisfied” while majority of them responded “not-satisfied”.

Problems in the application of Information Technology 1.High cost of IT infrastructure; 2.Inadequate number of computers in the libraries; 3.Very limited number of well qualified library professionals; 4.Library professionals lack knowledge and training in IT application; 5.Inadequate library funds.

Suggestions 1.Continuous training programmes and other in-service/off- service courses should be implemented; 2.Professionals should be encouraged to participate in the training programmes, seminars, conferences etc; 3.The professionals should be provided with required motivators to upgrade their skills in the ever-changing digital environment; 4.Selection and recruitment of library professionals should be consistent with the nature of the jobs to be performed; 5.The professionals should also try to develop their skills and competencies in the changing library environment;

Suggestions 6.Public libraries in the state have to adopt the tools of IT in order to provide more effective services to the users’ community; 7.Use of computer for resource sharing and networking has to be accelerated; 8.More grants should be sanctioned by the Government for the development of libraries in the state.