In this age of technological advancements, the role of libraries in shaping young minds is often overlooked. Despite the convenience of the internet, libraries remain a reliable source of information. But have you ever thought about the toils of a librarian who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the shelves stocked and the knowledge flowing?
Let’s take a closer look at the life of a librarian. During exam periods, the library is filled to the brim with students poring over books, taking notes, and completing practical files. It is a taxing time for librarians who have to manage the influx of students single-handedly. One such librarian I met was a beacon of dedication in a private institute. She tirelessly issued books to students, assisted them in finding the right resources, and maintained the records of the library. What is more, during exams, she had to juggle her duties as an invigilator, which meant arriving early to check students’ admit cards and provide them with answer sheets and question papers. And if that wasn’t enough, she had to keep track of the books being borrowed and returned by students. If a book was not returned by the due date, the college had set a fine of 10 rupees per day, which was deducted from her salary if she forgot to collect it.
One day, a student came to borrow a book that had already been issued to someone else, and the due date had long passed. When the librarian contacted the student, they denied having borrowed the book and accused her of not recording its return. Upon checking the records, she found no such entry and was left to bear the brunt of the situation. To make matters worse, she was not even paid on time for her dedication and hard work. In conclusion, the job of a librarian is no easy feat. Despite the advancements in science and technology, we must not forget the importance of libraries and the people who work tirelessly to maintain them. They are the unsung heroes who facilitate our quest for knowledge and make it possible for us to learn and grow.
The author is pursuing MSc in Biological Sciences. He can be mailed at [email protected]

Imran Bashir