INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025  
Capacity Building for Library Professionals: Strengthening  
Competencies for Law College Libraries in Karnataka  
1 Pavithrabai M S, 2 Dr. V K Kamble, 3 Dr. Rajashekhar Mahadevagouda  
1 Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi -  
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2 Professor (RTRD), Department of Library and Information Science, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi -  
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3 Librarian Sr. Grade Office, Vijay Karnataka (Times Group) Jayanagar 3rd Block, Bangalore- 560011.  
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000272  
Received: 02 November 2025; Accepted: 08 November 2025; Published: 18 November 2025  
ABSTRACT  
The contemporary library environment is characterised by rapid technological advances, new models of information  
delivery, and a shift in user expectations toward immediacy, accessibility, and relevance. Within this changing  
landscape, law college libraries play a vital role in supporting legal education and scholarship. Librarians in these  
institutions must now move beyond traditional functions to become facilitators of research, digital resource  
managers, and educators in information literacy.  
This paper explores capacity building as a holistic process aimed at enhancing the personal, professional, and  
institutional competencies of library professionals. Drawing upon international and Indian examples, the study  
highlights how well-designed capacity-building initiatives can transform law college libraries into dynamic learning  
centres. It also examines the integration of capacity-building strategies into institutional policies and accreditation  
frameworks and outlines measurable outcomes such as improved user satisfaction, enhanced research productivity,  
and operational efficiency.  
The findings underscore the importance of continuous learning, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based  
professional development to ensure that librarians remain relevant and effective in the evolving legal information  
environment.  
Keywords: Capacity Building, Library Professionals, Law College Libraries, Legal Information Services, Policy  
Integration, Professional Development, Digital Competencies  
INTRODUCTION  
The role of library professionals has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last two decades. Once confined  
to cataloguing, circulation, and maintaining print collections, today’s librarians must navigate digital databases,  
open-access repositories, and e-learning systems. This transformation is especially pronounced in law college  
libraries, where access to accurate and up-to-date legal information is critical for both academic and professional  
training.  
In Karnataka, law colleges are increasingly integrating technology into teaching and learning. Libraries in these  
institutions are expected to provide sophisticated research assistance, maintain digital collections, and support legal  
writing and citation practices. Librarians must be adept at managing databases such as SCC Online, Manupatra,  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025  
LexisNexis, and HeinOnline while also guiding students and faculty in information retrieval and legal research  
methodology.  
However, many law college libraries face challenges such as limited staff training, inadequate funding, and outdated  
infrastructure. Capacity building thus emerges as a strategic approach to empower professionals with the  
competencies required for effective service delivery and to align library practices with institutional goals.  
LITERATURE REVIEW AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES  
Capacity building in librarianship refers to the systematic strengthening of individuals and institutions to enhance  
performance and sustainability. Barik and Jena (2019) define it as a process through which professionals acquire  
and retain knowledge, skills, and resources for effective service delivery. They identify three interdependent levels  
of capacity building—personal, professional, and organisational.  
Globally, several models have been developed to address the evolving role of librarians. The International  
Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) advocates lifelong learning as a core professional  
obligation and promotes a competency-based approach to training. The American Association of Law Libraries  
(AALL) offers continuous education through certification programmes that assess proficiency in legal research,  
digital systems, and instructional design.  
In the United Kingdom, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) maintains a  
competency framework linking training outcomes to measurable professional standards. Similarly, African and  
ASEAN countries have adopted consortium-based approaches, pooling resources for shared professional  
development and digital infrastructure.  
In the Indian context, studies by Singh (2018) and Kumar & Sharma (2020) emphasise that the success of capacity  
building depends on institutional support, updated LIS curricula, and government-backed training programmes.  
Comparing these global practices reveals a consistent pattern: effective capacity building requires structured  
planning, sustained investment, and formal policy backing.  
Concept and Dimensions of Capacity Building  
Capacity building is a multifaceted concept encompassing three key dimensions that collectively strengthen  
professional efficiency and institutional performance.  
Individual Capacity  
This level focuses on personal growth and attributes such as adaptability, communication, creativity, and problem-  
solving. In law libraries, these qualities enable professionals to handle diverse queries, interpret complex legal texts,  
and maintain a service-oriented mindset. Encouraging reflective learning and self-assessment also enhances  
confidence and motivation among staff.  
Professional Capacity  
Professional capacity relates to domain-specific expertise, including information retrieval, database management,  
copyright awareness, and digital literacy. Librarians in law colleges must develop advanced competencies in using  
legal databases, managing e-resources, assisting faculty in legal research, and designing instructional sessions on  
research methodology and citation standards.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025  
Organisational Capacity  
Organisational capacity involves institutional systems, infrastructure, and policies that support ongoing professional  
growth. This includes the presence of a clear staff development policy, regular workshops, funding provisions for  
training, and mentoring programmes. A supportive institutional culture is critical for sustaining long-term capacity  
building.  
Institutional Case Examples  
Successful implementation of capacity-building initiatives can be observed in both global and Indian contexts:  
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore: The library conducts “Legal Research Clinics,”  
where librarians collaborate with faculty to train students in advanced database searching and citation management.  
This initiative not only enhances digital skills but also positions librarians as integral academic partners.  
Harvard Law Library (USA): Implements a structured professional development programme with annual skills  
audits, mentorship, and competency-based certification, ensuring librarians remain aligned with institutional  
research priorities.  
INFLIBNET Centre (India): Through its E-ShodhSindhu and Shodhganga programmes, INFLIBNET facilitates  
training workshops and webinars, fostering collaboration and technical skill enhancement among academic  
librarians across disciplines.  
These examples demonstrate how institutional vision and sustained investment in staff development directly  
contribute to improved library services and academic outcomes.  
Integrating Capacity Building into Institutional Policy and Accreditation  
For capacity-building efforts to yield long-term benefits, they must be embedded within institutional policies and  
accreditation mechanisms. Law colleges in Karnataka can align their strategies with quality assurance frameworks  
such as NAAC and the Bar Council of India (BCI) standards, which increasingly recognise professional  
development as a component of institutional excellence.  
Policies could mandate periodic participation in professional training, membership in associations like IASLIC or  
ILA, and documentation of learning outcomes as part of performance reviews. Institutions may also enter into formal  
collaborations with national bodies such as INFLIBNET, NLU libraries, or digital learning platforms to sustain  
continuous development.  
Embedding these mechanisms within policy ensures accountability, institutional ownership, and sustainability of  
professional development initiatives.  
Measurable Outcomes of Capacity Building  
Evaluating capacity-building outcomes is essential for justifying investment and refining strategies. Key measurable  
indicators include:  
User Satisfaction: Improved feedback scores, faster response to queries, and enhanced guidance in legal  
research.  
Research Efficiency: Increase in faculty publications, student research output, and effective utilisation of  
legal databases.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025  
Operational Excellence: Streamlined workflows, better resource organisation, and more effective use of  
digital tools.  
Professional Growth: Greater participation in conferences, workshops, and publications by library  
professionals.  
Institutional Recognition: Enhanced library ranking and improved scores in accreditation assessments.  
These indicators not only demonstrate tangible improvements but also strengthen the library’s visibility within the  
academic community.  
Challenges and Opportunities  
Despite the growing emphasis on professional development, several barriers persist.  
Challenges  
Insufficient funding and administrative support.  
Outdated LIS curricula that lag behind technological developments.  
Lack of recognition for librarians’ evolving academic and instructional roles.  
Heavy workloads that limit time for training and upskilling.  
Opportunities  
Expansion of MOOCs, online certification courses, and hybrid workshops.  
Growing recognition of librarians as research partners rather than support staff.  
National-level initiatives (e.g., INFLIBNET, NPTEL) offering cost-effective training resources.  
Cross-institutional collaborations that enable peer learning and shared expertise.  
By leveraging these opportunities, law college libraries in Karnataka can transform professional limitations into  
avenues for innovation and leadership.  
CONCLUSION  
Capacity building forms the foundation of a strong, forward-looking library system. In the context of law college  
libraries, it not only strengthens the professional competencies of librarians but also enhances the overall quality of  
legal education and research support.  
To remain relevant in a technology-driven world, librarians must continually update their knowledge, embrace new  
technologies, and actively participate in collaborative networks. Institutions, on their part, must institutionalise  
professional development through structured policies, adequate funding, and performance-based evaluation  
systems.  
By integrating global best practices, case-based learning, and measurable outcome assessment, law college libraries  
in Karnataka can position themselves as exemplary centres of academic excellence and user-oriented innovation.  
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ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025  
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