Harnessing Innovations in Libraries and Information Centres: Issues and Trends Dillip K. Swain Asst. Librarian, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar Key words Electronic information, Podcasts, RSS feed reader, Web-based RSS reader, Twiter Introduction Innovation policy, although fashionable is often misunderstood; it is an appendix to science and technology policy, as often presented. Innovation-the application of knowledge of all types to achieve desired social and economic outcomes-is broader than science and technology, often combining technical, organizational, and other sorts of changes 1 .The innovation system plays an important role in acquiring, creating, adopting, and disseminating knowledge, which is crucial for success in the knowledge economy. The innovation system in any country consists of the network of institutions, rules, and procedures that differ how the county acquires, creates, disseminates, and uses knowledge 2 . Librarians are now actively engaged in developing digital libraries, which will extend and enhance the common notion of a library. In so doing they will help extend the limits of electronic imaging, data transmission, automatic indexing, natural language processing, and numerous other related technologies. If history is any guide, librarians will uncover the problems, help to define the solutions and be among the earliest adopters of those solutions 3 .Contextually, the philosophy of innovations is applied to the organizational and operational excellence of libraries and information centres all across the world. Change and Innovation The terms change and innovation are often used interchangeably. An innovation, or a change, is traditionally defined as any idea, practice or object, which is seen to be new by the individual or the organization either adopting or rejecting it. Even though the idea has been around for a while and is known to other organizations, it is still considered an innovation or a change if it is new to the organization considering it 4 . Therefore, change or innovation in libraries and information centres has become imperative due to the technological revolution and prolific growth of electronic information of late. Why library innovation? Due to dramatic changes in the information environment and the ICT sector, library managers have interest not only to adapt to these sweeping changes, but, more importantly to trigger innovative ideas from their personnel with a view to remain at the frontiers of knowledge rather than mere passive observers. Technology can be used creatively in service delivery by means of the mobile phone, for instance. Some libraries have adopted this tool to send overdue reminders to patrons for the late return of library materials whereas others use this for current awareness. While technology is definitely part of the solution, there is no reason to over-glorify technology and overlook the human resource behind the technological revolution 5 . Librarians have, in recent years, by introducing OPACs, CD-ROM databases and Internet access into their libraries, convincingly demonstrated their ability to master, manage and use advanced technologies. Thus, it has become fashionable to speak of a new librarianship and of a new image of librarians. The perception may be new, and recognition gratifying, however, in reality librarians have long been pioneering users of new technologies. Contrary to popular notions, librarians have always been among the first to adapt ad use the latest information handling and communication technologies 3 . The range and complexity of challenges facing libraries and librarians today are unprecedented. Certainly the proliferation of information technologies has made a significant impact on libraries in the way they deliver their services and content as well as the format of that very content as most libraries move towards digital collections or at the very least hybrid print and digital collections. In this environment there is also growing expectations of users for quality, accuracy and immediate responsiveness to their needs 6 .Ramjaun 5 remarks that Innovation in libraries is inevitable due to the following reasons: • The discovery of unmet user needs.