Abstract:
The field of training for librarianship began in 1887 with Dewey's School of Library Economy at
Columbia University. Librarian like any other professional, a professional librarian should possess
best qualities. It is clear and obvious that there was a good library service and learned librarianship
from the origin of the civilization and the introduction of writing tradition concurrently. In this paper,
special attention has been given to investigate the qualities as well as the manner of devaluation of
librarian and the service, gradually. Meanwhile, there probed and explored requirement of regaining
and restoring the floating state of library service in Sri Lanka. Defines these qualities as: aptitude;
adaptation; retentive memory; scholarship; personality; efficient administration; ability to
communicate; and current awareness. It stipulates a complete knowledge of the reference collection,
integrity, fitness and a linguistic ability of the librarian. This study focusses descriptive characteristics
as well as tacit advanced qualities of librarians selecting only eight past librarians in Sri Lanka. The
information revealed by this research project would be useful for researchers, academics, students,
University Community as well as administrators or Management Boards for future development plans
