AI image, for representation only
Of the 440 govt first-grade colleges in the state, 201 do not have librarians.
Educationists said the shortage is particularly worrying at the degree level, where students are increasingly expected to undertake research, projects, self-learning and reference-based assignments. Every college should have a qualified librarian,” he said. With physical education and health now part of the curriculum, educators said the absence of instructors has widened the gap between classroom learning and practical training.
Though govt conducted recruitment drives for teaching posts on a few occasions over the past decade, librarian vacancies have largely remained unfilled. Many govt colleges have upgraded libraries with digital resources, but in the absence of qualified librarians, teaching staff are often tasked with managing them. Librarians also help students identify authentic academic material, access e-resources and develop research skills. Their absence particularly affects students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds who depend on college libraries for reference books and competitive examination material. “Students need guidance to identify authentic and relevant information, particularly at a time when misinformation and deepfake content are widely circulating on social media. The shortage has limited opportunities for students to receive structured coaching, fitness training and guidance in sports.