Abstract
With the application of IT to libraries, the librarians today have more refined tools and techniques at their disposal to provide quicker and more sophisticated services to the users. The article discusses the evolving role of librarians/ information professionals from provider of physical entities to that of information access provider, negotiator, intermediary, organizer and preserver of digital information, educator, content and intranet developer. It also discusses the skills and competencies required to perform their role effectively. Concludes that LIS education should be geared to the changing needs of the society/workplaces. It should offer such courses as provide graduates with necessary skills and competencies to perform all the roles offered to them in the new information environment.
Keywords: Librarians; Information professionals; Information environment; Challenging roles