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Permalink Reply by Langmuanjohn Tonsing on December 8, 2011 at 18:14

What about lack of opportunities for the freshers? I have written a discussion on MLISc fresh graduate joining as Library attendent, I think at this age due to lack of opportunities low salary is becoming very common and yes this effect the other in geeting higher pay. I think Organisation or Association in our profession have to check on employment of unqualified staff in the library, when their are lots of qualified staff.

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Permalink Reply by Siddhartha Shankar Ray on December 8, 2011 at 20:23

Dear Sri Mukesh Bhargava,

Thanks for your post and more importantly for addressing a rather too touchy issue directly upfront!!

I presume that your post may instigate many comments especially from freshers or new comers. As I believe that until and unless the academia restricts the number of pass outs ( and I am sorry to say that a large number of whom with even Highest academic degrees in our profession have nothing but a piece of paper as certificate of qualification!!) the situation will prevail. I have came across several PH.Ds and M.Phils and M.Libs in interview board whose knowledge levels are extremely poor and the theses or dissertations are just trash!! and ironically they demand Teaching Status and Pay Scales because of the papers of the certificates of qualifications while they do not deserve post of even Library clerks!! If this is the situation how can you expect that they will demand justice as quite rightfully highlighted by you.

I can illustrate two of my personal experiences one of which involves me and the other one of my coprofessional.     A few decades ago. I was called for an interview for the post of Librarian in a renowned automobile industry which was a Public Sector organization those day with their office in a Hotel in Barakhamba Road, New Delhi.

During interview I was asked whether I am ready to accept a lower post as Assistant Librarian. I instantly rejected the post but one of the candidates just grabbed it! After a couple of months, surprise came to me one day in the form of a telephone call from a lady (Corporate, Personnel) asking me whether I am still ready to join them as Librarian, the post they advertised initially!!. I politely declined the offer ( I had only a degree of M.L.I.Sc those days!) as I was working as Library-in-Charge of a Premier National Research Institute under Central Government. Later I gathered that the gentleman who accepted the lower post of Assistant Librarian was fired within two months!! 

The second instance is that of a person who was selected as Librarian in a diplomatic mission office as Librarian a few of years ago when the distant modes of courses have started in full swing. After two months s/he was told that her/his post will be lowered to Deputy Librarian however, s/he will enjoy the same salary. The person resigned within a short while and now-a-days s/he is Chief Librarian in a Central govt funded University and the person had no Ph.D or M.Phil at that time.

What I meant to highlight and convey is, in case one has self esteem, dignity and confidence upon his/her ability, s/he can face the interview board squarely. I give credit to my co-professional much much more (than me) for two reasons: firstly in her/his case there was no curtailment in Salary and secondly and more importantly, number of contenders grew rapidly (than my time) as distant modes of educations were running in full swing.

I believe that the freshers and new-age professionals, especially, those who are deserving, knowledgeable and competent should be rest assured that what ever be the situation of the employment market, they will certainly get on top and above many of their co-professionals with papers of certificates of even higher qualifications!!

Sincerely,

Sddhartha Shankar Ray, Calcutta

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