Upskilling and Reskilling of LIS Professionals

Anindita Sandilya, Rajashree Bordoloi, Bandita Bora

Abstract 

This study investigates the current landscape of upskilling and reskilling practices among Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in the context of rapid digital transformation. With traditional roles evolving due to the rise of web-based technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital repositories, LIS professionals are increasingly expected to acquire new competencies. Using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework, this paper analyzes the role of soft skills in professional development, evaluates the use of SWAYAM and NPTEL as learning platforms, identifies institutional and infrastructural barriers, and forecasts future skill demands in the LIS sector. The findings highlight that technical adaptability, communication, and digital literacy are the most emphasized soft skills, while infrastructure challenges, limited training opportunities, and low technology integration act as primary barriers. The study also reveals that while SWAYAM offers valuable LIS-specific content, a majority of courses remain general or indirectly applicable. The paper concludes that for LIS professionals to thrive in this evolving environment, a coordinated effort is necessary to integrate continuous learning, promote emerging skills, and address structural limitations.

📄 [PDF]
Published: July 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 07]

Bethany Veney and Harriet Jacobs as Slave Mothers: An Intersectional Analysis

Miranda Ngangom 

Abstract 

Slavery has exploited its most from slave women- their bodies, their relationship, dignity, labour, and so on. Historically, culturally, and socially, slave/black women have been stationed at the margin/periphery, with little to no room, to assert their voice, on discussions surrounding feminism. The discussions on feminism from a Western outlook, falls short on examining the complex lives and lived realities of Black women, from the period of slavery to current trends. Within a White feminist discourse that even aims to consider Black women, the lack of consideration to acknowledge several factors as categories of oppression has been noticed and overlooked. Therefore, Kimberle Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, that recognizes several overlapping factors of oppression, becomes the ideal methodology to analyse Black women’s literary narratives. This paper, hence, examines two slave narratives, written by women, through the lens of intersectionality, specifically, analysing the pains of being born a girl in slavery.

📄 [PDF]
Published: July 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 07]