The changing role of Librarians in lifelong learning and distance learning

In a third world country it seems unlikely but the role of the librarian must change to a trainer or educator. In this situation librarians will have to change and adapt to new demands, professional tasks and working conditions. Libraries should always be directed towards the empowerment of the client. More research and knowledge about how libraries and the professional profiles of librarians should be designed in order to improve their preparation to meet the new needs and demands directed towards them and provide the client with the most recent or most valuable information. To understand the principles of lifelong learning and distance learning librarians must be well informed about information literacy theory and practice, thoroughly understand how all learners develop and apply lifelong learning skills and strategies and comprehensively understand the role of information and communication technologies in lifelong learning. The Librarian must become learner-centred rather than institution-centred by, for example encouraging wider participation since a lot of students are distance students especially post-graduate students. Standardizing the concept of open learning and tailoring learning support to the learning style of the individual and exploiting the opportunities opened up by e-learning and electronic networks This can be achieved by inter active training or live training trough skype or animated training loaded on the web page of the Library. This is where the new challenges of the changing role of the librarian lie. Instead of being a traditional librarian becomes a trainer, educator or mentor.