Library Role in Information Needs of College and University Teachers

The Study was undertaken that focused on academic and professional information needs of college and university teachers belonging to disadvantaged group of India i.e. Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The study aimed to know various information needs of the teachers, the information sources used to satisfy those needs and the role of library. The study is concentrated on the three aspects of the academic and professional needs of the SC/ ST Teachers namely 1) Teaching and Related Activities 2) Research and Publications and 3) Career Advancement. To satisfy these needs different formal and informal information sources were used by the teachers. The study indicated that 'Research and Publication' was one area of high level of information requirement. The second area was 'Application of ICT'. It was followed by the information need about 'rules and regulation' and 'soft skills'. These areas require immediate attention of the SC/ ST Teachers. Libraries must understand the needs of disadvantaged group and sharpen their services and facilities towards better user satisfaction and teacher-library liaison.