Contractualization of Library Professionals of Academic Libraries in India

Academic libraries in India are undergoing substantial transformation due to information and communication technologies, digital resources, automation, institutional repositories, research-support services and changing user expectations, while many higher education institutions are increasingly using contractual appointments, outsourcing agencies and flexible employment arrangements. However, the continued use of contractual personnel for permanent and core library functions raise concerns with respect to job security, professional autonomy, remuneration, career progression, institutional commitment, staff turnover and the professional status of librarianship. This article examines the contractualization of library professionals in Indian academic libraries in the context of selected literature on library outsourcing and the wider Indian labour market.