Quick Questions with Academic Librarian of the Year, Dr. Sharma

Ravindra Nath Sharma

Ravindra Nath Sharma is Library Director at West Virginia State University and 2005 ACRL Academic/Research Librarian of the Year.

Library Connect: Congratulations on your selection as librarian of the year. Please, can you tell us what led to your selection?

Dr. Sharma: Mainly my contributions to international librarianship and my research. I have published books and articles, editorials and book reviews in European, Asian and US library journals. Also I’ve edited Library Times International since 1984.

And of course my work on ACRL and ALA committees, especially my chairing ACRL’s Asian, African and Middle Eastern Section (AAMES). During my AAMES chairmanship, I invited Kay Raseroka to speak in Orlando in 2004. That was the first time in the history of ACRL and ALA that a standing president of IFLA spoke at an ALA conference. Kay was the first black female ever to be elected president of IFLA. Getting her here was an honor.

My aim is to continue to help the library profession and associations to grow. As I am the first Asian American to receive ACRL’s highest honor, I've been invited to visit China for one month. I'll spend time at the Shanghai library, China’s second largest library, and provide advice on international librarianship and staff development. It has been a great year, I must say.

LC: Recently WVSU received university status and was approved to offer graduate courses. Can you describe the community your library serves?

Sharma: We serve undergraduates, graduates, students of community and technical colleges, and other community members. Everyone is welcome. The focus of course is on the curriculum and research needs of our students and faculty. Our mission is to provide excellent service and library resources. I think we've done a very good job, under difficult circumstances including budget cuts.

LC: A 2004 survey revealed 71.2% of your institute's students visit the library regularly and it's the best used service of your university. To what do you attribute your library's success?

Sharma: Excellent teamwork and emphasis on quality service. I have always emphasized the value of the library to all students and faculty, and reminded users the library offers help throughout life. Ranganathan, the great Indian librarian, always said, I went to the library every day not to do my assignment but to see what material could enhance my knowledge. That message has sold well, helping us maintain our standards and bring students into our library.

Additionally, we have a special area where students can get help from tutors in many subjects. This library study area, part of Smart Stops offering walk-in tutoring at locations across campus, is open 8am to 9pm. This has become a popular place, offered for the third year in a row. Getting free help from qualified instructors brings students to the library.

LC: How does your library ensure users get the greatest benefit from provided resources?

Sharma: We keep our students informed about new resources through our library Web page, library displays and bibliographic Ravindra Nath Sharma instruction classes. Also during one-to-one conferences at the reference desk. And, we have a Library Cyber Café in the student union. Three years ago we got a grant and opened the café — open 7am to 11pm, seven days a week. Students can use café computers to access our library’s e-resources.

LC: What types of new tools would you like to offer your users?

Sharma: Only tools covering subjects thoroughly and fitting in our budget. I want to keep a balance between books and online resources. Technology is still changing and expensive. Students definitely want more online resources, but we need to avoid going overboard.

LC: During the past decade, what changes have you seen in user behavior?

Sharma: As the library director, here for nine years now, I see the introduction of technology has made all the difference. Users expect the library to offer resources in all subjects and formats but especially online. This younger generation is more interested in doing research online. That is a big change in user behavior.