Library Engagement, Reading Behaviour and Perceptions of Library Professionals: Astudy

An effective academic environment is shaped by several interconnected factors. This study examines students' reading habits, their level of library engagement, and their awareness and perceptions of librarians' professional roles in colleges within the Kamrup Metropolitan District, Assam. The results of the study show that, alongside technological advancements, libraries are also equipped with and have adopted new technologies for their facilities and services to meet the varied needs of users. Along with that, librarians are also developing specialized skills to meet modern users' demands, but users are more comfortable reading at home than in the library's reading rooms. The study also reveals library professionals’ views on several misconceptions about librarians, including their qualifications, responsibilities, and technical skills. Regular library visitors have a better understanding and awareness of librarians' roles and responsibilities than irregular visitors and non-users. The study suggested that strengthening the academic ecosystem requires librarians' roles. By providing training and workshops on advanced skills, technologies, modern library management, and hospitality skills, it will enhance the efficiency of library professionals, which will eventually make the professionals more confident and will be able to provide advanced and innovative services to the users, and it will also be helpful to enhance users’ perception towards librarianship.