VOL. 1, NO. 2, Oct 2010 E-ISSN 2218-6301 Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and I nformation Sciences ©2009-2010 CIS Journal. All rights reserved. http://www.cisjournal.org A Systems Approach for Dealing with Resistance to Change: With Reference to Library and Information Professionals Working in Academic and Research Sector Libraries in India Kshema Prakash Deputy Librarian Indian Institute of Technology Rajasthan, Camp Office: MBM Engineering College Jodhpur – 342011, Rajasthan, India Email: kshemaprakash@gmail.com ABSTRACT Library and information landscape is changing rapidly and continuously in response to the dynamic changes in the environment. This paper attempts to identify the causes of resistance among library and information professionals in India and suggests measures of improvement for a smooth transition in this scenario. The authors examine the concept of systems approach and its application to library and information field. A systems model for dealing with resistance among the library and information professionals for a positive acceptance of change and rendering better service is recommended. Keywords: Change Management, Resistance, Library and Information Professionals (LIPs), Systems Approach. 1. INTRODUCTION Change is the order of the world. It is the change, particularly, developmental changes that have been key drivers in societal transformation at large. The present stage of the society is that of information based knowledge society. Libraries are in existence ever since the recorded knowledge has started to be preserved for future. The traditional concept of library is being redefined from a place to access paper records or books to one that also houses the most advanced media. Libraries are changing in response to changes in the learning and research environment and also changes in the expectations of library users. These changes are evolutionary. Consequently, Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) are increasingly combining traditional duties with tasks involving changing technology. Traditional library performance measures fail to explain fully what is happening in libraries today because their scope is too narrow to encompass the field of change. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Nature of Change in Information Services: According to Lyndon Pugh [1] the nature of change in information services characterized by the factors like diversity and unpredictability of the services and staffing of libraries, they are cross-boundary specialization, the structural change in library and information services, the amount of complexity driven by mixed economy, personalization of library and information services, competition and/or collaboration with network giants like Google etc. All these constantly demand new skills and competencies over the traditional ones. Fig. 1 Nature of change in information services (Source: Pugh, L., 2007) Characteristics of emerging library and information environment: Modern library and information environment is characterized by electronic communication, both synchronous and asynchronous, web-based information sources, multimedia information, and is uncontrolled largely as a result of the Internet facilitating information creation, distribution and access. Accordingly, typical user expectations of the present day include – everything in full text and downloadable or printable; faster service; uninterrupted service availability, virtual reference service librarian available online, easy access; easy-to-use web resources permitting self-service; a librarian who knows all subjects and all databases; everything should be in electronic or digital format; several options / alternatives to choose from; a library web site that is capable to conduct all library transactions online viz., library registration, document delivery request, loans and renewals, etc.; and a web search engine to find required information. 103