New vistas in Library Science

                         

 LIBRARY AND Information Science deals with the challenge of how to organise, control and access information. With the onslaught of information technology, libraries are making a rapid transition from card catalogues to digitalised services including making available information on CD-ROMs.

In the ever-changing environment, it is the job of the library and information science professional to ensure that the information gets to the right user in the right place at the right time. It is a course for people who have a flair for reading and keep a tab on the developments on the information front. A degree programme in Library and Information Science is intensive in nature, and thereby demands students who are highly motivated and dedicated to learning. Librarians and information officers are expected to be organised, with an inquisitive mind, have an appetite for unearthing information, and acquire and prepare materials for use. Outstanding communication skills, quick grasping ability, skill for organising facts, speaking and writing skills, diplomacy, and knowledge to evaluate technical material is required.

It is their responsibility to oversee the management of the library, supervise assistant librarians to prepare cards and computer records, and read book reviews, publishers' notifications and catalogues to be informed of current literature and other available resources. It is their endeavour to select and purchase materials from publishers, wholesalers and distributors, and arrange books and other library materials in an easily accessible mode.

Job avenues

Avenues for professionally qualified librarians are increasing. With computerisation and electronic storage systems, a course in library and information science has acquired a new look. Openings exist in information centres, which include public enterprise, industrial and commercial firms, public and institutional libraries, digital libraries, online libraries/archival services. There are opportunities in libraries run by schools, universities, colleges, professional bodies, libraries attached to embassies societies and research associations.

Undergraduate courses

Degree, diploma, vocational and specialised courses are available in library and information sciences. Undergraduate degree courses in library science and related disciplines include:

Bachelor's Degree in Library Science (B.Lib).

Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Services.

Bachelor's Degree in Library and Manuscriptology.

Bachelor's Degree in Library and Documentation.

The duration of the courses is one year. Only graduates (from any discipline) are admitted. Subjects covered include cataloguing, bibliography, documentation, research methodology, information storage and retrieval, manuscriptology, preservation and conservation, information systems and computer applications.

Postgraduate programmes

Postgraduate degree courses in library and related sciences include:

Master's Degree in Library Science (M.Lib).

Master's Degree in Library Science and Documentation.

M.Phil and Ph.D in Library Science.

Master's Degree in Library and Information Sciences.

Only graduates with B.Lib are admitted to the Master's degree programmes. The courses are one year long. The eligibility for M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes is M.Lib.

Areas of specialisation available at the PG level are library planning; management of Information Service (MIS); translation; archives management; technical writing; reprography; special library services; electronic solution to documentation etc.

Vocational courses

Vocational courses in library science are also offered to non-graduates for which the eligibility is Standard X.

Specialised courses

Specialised courses, meant for librarians and other in-service personnel, are also available. These include:

Diploma in Medical Librarianship (by correspondence).

Fresher and Advanced Courses in Library and Information Sciences.

Postgraduate Diploma in Library Science.

Computer Applications in Library Science.

Some of the universities offering courses in Library and Information Science are:

1. Bangalore University, Jnana Bharathi, Bangalore-560 056.

2. Karnatak University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad.

3. University of Mysore, Crawford Hall, P.B.No. 17, Mysore-570 005. 4. Gulbarga University, Jnana Ganga, Gulbarga-585 106.

4. Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, Mangalore.

5. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal.

6. Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, Shimoga-577 451.

The National Centre for Science Information, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, offers a course in "digital library and information services in enterprises" as part of the Information and Knowledge Management training programme. The Indira Gandhi National Open University offers distance education programme in Bachelor Of Library & Information Science (BLISc). The duration is one year and the eligibility is graduates with two years experience in a recognised library.