Capacity Building for Library Professionals: Strengthening Competencies for Law College Libraries in Karnataka

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.