We cannot deny the bitter truth that in today’s AI world, where all information is available with a click, the relevance of our conventional libraries has decreased. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a profound effect on librarians, reshaping their roles and altering how they interact with users.

 Therefore, the role of libraries and librarians needs to change completely. The community does not want librarians with limited knowledge of books and information. Instead, the community requires libraries and librarians to be vibrant community hubs with prompt services, interaction with people, problem-solving, and a helpful attitude to improve mental health, support, and guide individuals in choosing their careers or directions.

There are many ways in which librarians can help users and communities improve their mental health. Traditional libraries must become important centers for the community where people can feel at ease and hopeful. With various activities, sessions, and orientation programs, librarians must think beyond the boundaries of conventional library walls. They must be interactive with the community, creative, and supportive. However, considering the global mental health scenario, the concept of libraries is gradually changing.

Nowadays, the role of libraries and librarians has expanded, especially in public libraries where librarians play a vital role. Librarians not only guide users to access resources but also interact with them to provide the right information. In public libraries, librarians organize various user interaction sessions, events, and programs to develop skills, resolve issues, and give exposure in areas of interest. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of libraries and librarians cannot be limited to physical or digital data and information. It must be expanded to support users in improving their mental health and well-being. Many public libraries in the US, UK, and Canada are already following this concept, and the same needs to be followed in developing countries like India, as the mental health of approximately 40 percent of people in these countries has been affected after the pandemic.

The term “bibliotherapy” is popular nowadays in public libraries to boost the mental health and well-being of users. Bibliotherapy is a therapy that uses books and literature to support and help users overcome trauma, provide guidance, and improve mental health through storytelling and reading various materials that can inspire a person.

Bibliotherapy allows librarians to use available resources as tools to help and support the mental health and well-being of users by interacting with them one-on-one and providing literature that can help them overcome emotional, social, or behavioural challenges.

Mental health camps can be organized in libraries where doctors can talk to people, guide and support them to improve their mental health. Additionally, mental health sessions can be organized with mental health specialists and social workers. The government should support libraries in these initiatives. Some private organizations in India have already initiated the development of public libraries in this way.

Libraries should be places where users feel comfortable discussing their issues with library staff and finding resolutions. Skill development sessions and personality development sessions would also be helpful for users to build confidence. Some libraries provide career counseling and skill development training programs for users. For example, the New York City Library provides training for social workers, guards, and Occupational Health Administration. These facilities provided by libraries help build confidence in communities in the services libraries offer.

In conclusion, the role of libraries and librarians has evolved over time, shifting not only from physical to digital spaces, but also expanding in terms of support and guidance. Librarians now serve as vital community supporters, while libraries have become hubs for community development. They assist and guide users in various ways, including improving mental well-being, offering career counseling, providing one-on-one support, and organizing informative sessions to benefit the community.