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Showing posts with label Library Careers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Library Careers. Show all posts

Friday, June 8, 2012

Library and Information Science Education in India- Options, Opportunities and Places

Introduction:-
There has been enormous growth in education and higher education around the globe. Every country worth its name has developed a system of education and infrastructure to educate its people, and India is no exception. There has been a fast growth in institution of higher education since the dawn of twentieth century and more particularly, after India attained independence in 1947.  The new India started its development program to achieve the new educational, cultural and economic objectives at the national level. Such developments at these institutions contributed to the development of more libraries, which in turn had to accept new responsibilities to meet society’s changing needs and demands. Libraries are recognized to play an important role in education, scientific research and social-economic development of a country. This envisages the need for professionally qualified personnel to manage and run the libraries and information centers effectively and efficiently. In order to feed the growing number of libraries, more trained library professionals were needed. For this purpose, library science departments started springing up, and library science developed into a distinct field of specialization with its own normative principles, theories, techniques, and practices that were deemed sufficient to meet the growing dimensions of library services. Handling of recorded knowledge in modern libraries has given birth to the functional aspects of collecting, organizing and promoting the use of reading materials relevant to the users through information transfer activities. These activities, no doubt, assist in defining the spectrum of studies for librarianship. The basic tenet of LIS education is to provide balanced training, integrating theory with practical exercises, and to cover all aspects of professional work with equal emphasis embracing new frontier of librarianship. LIS education aims at providing trained manpower to manage different types of libraries, information and documentation centers which, over a period of time have undergone changes in terms of needs, functions, types and range of services offered as well as tools and techniques being used when offering the services. Research in library and information science in India is not deep rooted. In the beginning it was in the form of a trail and error method. It was Padamashee S R Ranganathan (1889-1972) who lifted librarianship to the level of a science with the formulation of laws of library science, and establishment library schools and research centers. He even graded them as normative principles, fundamental laws, canons, principles and postulates. Ranganathan cut new grounds and blazed new trails in library and information science initially by solo research. This is evidence from the published literature that Ranganathan era’s is characterized by a period of intellectual contribution to the library and information science, particularly library classification. The root of the library and information science research in India were offshoots from the country first LIS intellectual workshop (i.e., Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi) instituted by the Dr SR Ranganathan a doyen of library science profession in India in 1946. And the first research fruit in the library and information science in the country even in the commonwealth countries was awarded by the University of Delhi in 1957 to the DB Krishna Rao for his thesis ‘Facet Analysis and Depth Classification of Agriculture’ under the supervision of Dr. SR Ranganathan.
Historical Development
The modern period in the history of education for librarianship began in the mid-1800s as librarians around the world recognized that systematic education and training were required so that order could be brought to the collections that had been growing in all libraries.  The need for professionally qualified personnel to manage and run these libraries effectively and efficiently was duly recognized during the first half of the present and consequently, the library education programme had been started at several places much before Independence. The history of the education of library science in India may be traced far back as the year of 1911 with the starting of a short term training programme in library science in the Baroda State, under the patronage of  Maharaj Sayajirao Gaekwar of Baaroda, who, impressed by the splendid work done by public libraries in the West, secured the services of an American librarian Mr. W. A. Borden as Director of the State Library Department. Mr. Bordon had been a pupil of Mr. Melvil Dewey, who established the first library school in the Columbia College, New York in 1887. In 1915, another student of Dewey, Mr. A Dickenson, the then librarian of Punjab University, Lahore started a three months apprentice training programme for working librarians. Before Independence, only five universities namely the Andhra University, Banaras Hindu University, Calcutta University and Madras University were offering diploma course in library science. Library education was given a new status and design by Professor S. R. Ranganathan in 1920, when the first systematic programme in library education was started under the auspices of the Madras Library Association in collaboration with the Madras University. This library school was subsequently taken over by the Madras University in 1931 and in 1937 the course was converted into Postgraduate (PG) Diploma in Library Science. This was the first diploma programme in Library Science in India. University of Delhi was the first university to establish a full-fledged Department of Library Science just before independence in 1946, and started admitting students to the PG Diploma in 1947. In 1951, the diploma was changed to Master in Library Science (M.Lib.Sc). Later, between 1956 to 1959, six new LIS departments were established at Aligarh Muslim University, M.S.University of Baroda, Nagpur University, Osmania University, Pune University and Vikram University. Since 1960s, the number of LIS departments has continued to increase. After Independence the stimulus for the growth and development of libraries and library science education has come from the progress in and extension of education, scientific research and programmes of socio-economic development which started in 1951 with the commencement of the First Five-Year Plan. As a result of these developments, Library and Information Science today is a well-recognized discipline of study and research at the post-graduate level in more than hundred universities in the country.  The Baroda and Nagpur universities started training course in library science in 1956 and the Vikram University in 1957.
Present Status of LIS Education in India
Since its inception decades ago, LIS education has grown and developed into a full-fledged multi-disciplinary subject. LIS courses at bachelors, masters and research level are being imparted by different institutions – university departments, colleges, library associations and specialized institutions. There are now 96 universities in India imparting Library and Information Science education as independent departments in different levels. Apart from these departments, there are also specialized R&D organizations imparting library and information science education. Worth mentioning is the two years Associateship in Documentation and Information Science (ADIS) imparted by Documentation Research & Training Institute (DRTC), Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore (Karnataka) and National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources (NISCAIR) formerly INSDOC, New Delhi which is equivalent to Mater degree of Library & Information Science (LIS). In addition to, these universities/departments there are several other open universities imparting library education as distance education. The professional associations such as Delhi Library Association (DLA) and the polytechnic institutions throughout the country are also imparting LIS education as lower level such as Certificate/Diploma in Library & Information Science. With the realization of the importance of higher education and research, research in Library education is not lagging behind like other disciplines. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) are promoting research in library and information science by awarding scholarships to doctoral students.
Objectives of Library and Information Science Education
The goal of library and information science education is the preparation of personnel for the task of successful performance at different levels of competence in different types of libraries with an insight into the role of these libraries in a fast changing society. It should impart a thorough grounding in the intellectual foundations of the profession and competence in the technical and technological skills required for their day-to-day practice in different positions. In other words, education for library and information science should be both knowledge and theory oriented task or practice oriented. The two aspects of theory and practice should blend harmoniously in a sound programme of library and information science education because on this will depend the effectiveness and success of the programme. In achieving this objective the methods of teaching and evaluation employed are as important as the quality of the faculty. The main objectives of LIS profession are to: provide training for building up leadership qualities among the LIS profession; develop knowledge on the latest techniques of information storage, transfer and retrieval; help to acquire necessary skills in handling, accessing and application of electronic resources, tools and media; and help to know the latest developments in the Information Technology (IT) To sum up, the basic aims of library and information science education may be as follows
  • To develop necessary technical skills;
  • To develop administrative skills;
  • To develop service orientation;
  • To develop thorough knowledge of various sources of information, necessary to give the traditional and modern library services;
  • To develop professional awareness.     
Levels of Education Out of the 96 university departments, 56 departments conduct the one-year Bachelors degree and one year Masters degree in Library and Information Science at the postgraduate level. Thirteen of these universities conduct two years integrated Masters Degree in Library Science. These programme further leads to M.Phil. and Ph.D. levels. The levels of LIS education in India are discussed as follows:
Certificate/Diploma in Library Science (C/D.Lib. Sc.)
Many polytechnic colleges, schools and Library Associations impart the low level of library science courses in India having duration of six months to one year. The basic qualification for these courses is 10+2.  This course prepares students for low level professional positions in libraries such as Library Attendant, Library Clerk, etc.
Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)
This is a one-year post graduate degree course. The basic eligibility is a three years degree from any discipline. This course prepares students for junior professional positions.
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
Master of Library and Information Science is imparted as a one-year post graduate degree course in some universities while in some, it is conducted as a two years integrated course. Many universities which offered one year BLISc and MLISc courses are now switching to two years integrated MLIS course in the line of other maters degree courses. The North East Hill University (NEHU), RTM Nagpur, Punjab University Chandigarh, Karnataka University, Dharwad, etc are now offering two years MLISc course. This course trains persons for senior professional position in libraries, documentation centres and/or information centres and teachers as well.
Associateship in Documentation and Information Science (ADIS)
The Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), Bangalore (Karnataka) offers two years Associateship in Documentation and Information Science (Now know as Master of Science in Information Science). The National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi, formerly INSDOC also impart two years documentation programme i.e., Associateship in Documentation (AID) after graduation. The course offered by the DRTC and NISCAIR have upper age on the courses as offered by the universities departments in terms of ICT syllabus and intake of the enrolments.
Master of Philosophy in Library and Information Science
M.Phil. in Library and Information Science prepares a student for further advanced research in LIS. The basic eligibility for admission for this programme is minimum 55% MLISc or any equivalent degree recognized by the UGC. With candidates having more qualifications are being preferred for superior position, many students are opting for M.Phil. Courses to better equip them for better positions.
Doctor of Philosophy of Library and Information Science
This is an advanced level of research programme being offered after the completion of MLISc or M.Phil. Degree depending on the universities. The general aim of a research degree, whether M.Phil. or Ph.D. is to provide training in doing research as well as to develop in the candidate a critical and analytical process of thinking with the purpose that they would be able to provide leadership in the profession. They would also be able to help librarians and information scientists to develop techniques and skills required to meet their requirements of the fast changing society. They should be able to identify the needs, set objectives, identify and analyze the problems and find appropriate solutions. They would also be in a position to participate in the planning, organization and implementation of programmes at various levels.
Role of University of Delhi in LIS Education
The Department of Library and information Science instituted in 1946 under the Faculty of Arts by the two eminent library science scholars namely Padamashree (late) Dr. S.R. Ranganathan (1892-1972), National Research Professor (1965-1972) in library science and the (late) Prof. S. Das Gupta (1912-1966) the first Delhi University Librarian and Professor Head Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi. The Department has credit to become the first LIS Department in country to impart quality LIS education & research through various levels i.e. BLISc (earlier known as D.Lib. Sc and B.Lib. Sc.), M.L.I.Sc (1956), M. Phil (1976), and Ph.D (1957). It was the first LIS School, which constituted at par with the other teaching departments in this University. The 1996-97 year was celebrated as ‘Golden Jubilee Year’ by organizing a national seminar on ‘National Seminar on the Need Based Innovative Programmme for Education and Training of LIS Personnel’ which was attended more than 160 participants of Delhi and adjoining states since than such activities are the common in the Department. The Department has also been recognized as an Associated Project of UNESCO. It is housed in the Tutorial Building, Second Floor, adjacent to the University Central Library. The root of the library and information science (LIS) research in India has been sprouted /offshoots from the country first LIS Department .The Department during the past 64 years of its existence has played a significant role in the LIS research and education in the country. Already about 3256 students have taken their Library Science degree from this Department. Out of whom about 2069 students obtained Postgraduate Diploma in Library Science/ Bachelor’s degree in Library Science; 1000 Master’s degree in Library Science / Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science; 90 M. Phil. Degree and 50 Ph.D degrees in Library and Information Science. Old students are occupying senior professional positions not only in India but also outside the country.
Outline the Courses and Programmes
The department has many credits in the context of LIS education and research in India. From the above section we can understand that it is the first Department of the country to initiate/start first formal education and research in LIS almost at all the levels in the country. To pace with the development and new trends, to meet the supply and demand of the LIS professionals the Department regularly revised and updated their syllabi. The first revision was took place in 1970 with the introduction of a paper namely computer application in libraries (for the first time in country) and many optional papers at Master’s level to accommodate the more specialized papers in the various sub-fields of LIS. The revised syllabi has a beautiful provision or flexibility to the faculty to include new emerged concepts in their concerned subject in order to make the syllabi more updated. The second revision was took place in 2004, after a long gap almost 32 years. The syllabi-2004 also incorporate all significant contents as proposed in the ‘UGC model curriculum, Library and Information Science’ recommended by the UGC for implementation in all LIS schools in India. Very recently the Department for the third time thoroughly re-revised and re-restructured the syllabi of BLIS and MLIS, which can be considered one of the best syllabi in the country. The brief outline of revised syllabi for BLIS and MLIS (2009) are as:
Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS)
Fist Semester
B -101 Library, Information and Society
B- 102 Library Classification (Theory)
B- 103 Library Classification (Practical)
B- 104 Basics of Information Technology in LIS (Theory)
B- 105 Basics of Information Technology in LIS (Practical)
B- 106 Project Work in LIS: (a) Literature Survey (b) Field Survey
Second Semester
B- 107 Management of Library and Information Centres
B- 108 Information Sources and Services
B- 109 Library Cataloguing (Theory)
B- 110 Library Cataloguing (Practical)
B- 111 Internship Programme (a) Report on Training Activities (b) Viva-Voce (Based on Internship Training)
Mater of Library & Information Science (MLIS)
First Semester
M - 101Information Systems and Programmes                           
M -102 Advanced Knowledge Organisations: Classification (Practical) 
M -103 Advanced Knowledge Organisation: Cataloguing (Practical) 
M -104 Information & Communication Technology Applications in LIS (Theory)
M -105 Research Methodology                                                     
M-106 Marketing of Library and Information Products and Services
Second Semester                                                                                                                     
M-107 Information & Communication Technology Applications in LIS (Practical) 
M -108 Information Storage and Retrieval System 
M -109 Information Literacy Applications in LIS               
M-110. Elective Papers 
M-110 (a) Public Library and Information System                                          
M-110(b) Academic Library and Information System
M-110(c) Research and Technical Library and Information System
M-110(d) Health Science Library and Information System
M-110(e) Agricultural Sciences Library Information System
M-110(f) Engineering and Technological Library and Information System
M 111. Elective Interdisciplinary Papers
M-111 (a) Print and Electronic Sources and Literature in Humanities
M-111 (b) Print and Electronic Sources and Literature in Natural Sciences
M-111 (c) Print and Electronic Sources and Literature in Social Science
M-112 Project Work: (a) Project Report (b) Viva-Voce
Job Opportunities and Places
The position of libraries globally at par with the temples in the Hindu home families, means libraries are found almost in all institutions or organizations irrespective their nature and types. In modern times the libraries became the integral part of their originations or institutions. To run the temples and other ritual entities we need the priest or pujari similarly to run the libraries we need the library professionals to serve the various kinds of users. The organizations such as DRDO, CSIR, ISRO, NAL, HAL, ICAR, ICMR, BARC, AICTE, etc need the highly qualified LIS professionals to manage their information centers. Due the advent of ICT and its application in libraries new options and opportunities emerged. The library workers today’s known by the various designations form traditional such as (Librarian, Reference Librarian, Documentation Officer, and Information Officer) to Information Scientists, Technical Officer, Scientific Officer, Knowledge Manager, Resource Manager, Chief Knowledge Officer, etc. In nutshell, in the LIS profession there are abundant job opportunities.
Written By Dr. Kunwar P Singh
Sr. Asst. Prof. & Principal Investigator
Department of Library and Information Sceince,
University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007 (INDIA) 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Career avenues in library science



Library science today calls for candidates skilled in the art of managing information with the help of technology tools.
Indispensible: A librarian's job involves a wide range of reading and processing of information content through cataloguing, classification and indexing, storing documents, and retrieving the required information. Photo: G. RAMAKRISHNA
Indispensible: A librarian's job involves a wide range of reading and processing of information content through cataloguing, classification and indexing, storing documents, and retrieving the required information. Photo: G. RAMAKRISHNA
Libraries are repositories of knowledge and information and are indispensable in the information age. With the merging of information technology with library science, the nature of libraries and the scope of their services have radically changed. The job involves a wide range of reading and processing of the information content through cataloguing, classification and indexing, storing documents, and retrieving the required information and so on.
Those interested in this discipline can pursue their degree course in library and information science (B.LI.Sc. / B.LiS). At a higher level, one can opt for a Master's degree (M.LISc / M.LIS), M.Phil. or Ph.D. in this discipline. Most universities in India offer one year Bachelor's degree in library and information science or two-year integrated Master's degree in the same discipline. The Bachelor's degree course includes the study of library classification, library and science, library management, cataloguing, information sources, information systems and services and the basics of information technology.
After obtaining Bachelor's degree in library and information science, students can opt for one-year regular Master's degree course in the same discipline. Graduates in other disciplines with at least 50 per cent marks can pursue the two-year (four semesters) integrated Master's programme in library and information science. Both these courses provide equal opportunities for employment. Many universities in south India have introduced the two-year integrated Master of Library and Information Science course. Some universities also conduct the one-year Master's programme for B.LISc. degree holders with 50 per cent marks and above.
The Library and Information Science, Department of University of Kerala, conducts a two year regular integrated Master's programme. Any graduate with at least 50 per cent marks can apply for admission.
Applicants will also have to pass a two-hour long entrance test carrying 100 marks aimed at testing their general knowledge and aptitude for librarianship. Candidates should have to obtain at least 40 marks in order to qualify the test. The total number of seats is 20. The seats are equally allocated among the degree holders in science, arts, and commerce subjects. The course content of the integrated Master's course includes information knowledge and communication, library and society, library management, information sources, organisation of knowledge, information technology, information processing and retrieval, information systems, research methodology, bibliometrics, IT applications in libraries and information system management. A dissertation and viva-voce is also part of the course.
The department also offers one-year self-financing M.LISc. evening programme. Those who have passed B.LISc. with at least 50 per cent marks are eligible to apply. For the one year Master's programme, students can choose from the following options – science information systems, agriculture information systems, social science information systems, health information systems, industrial information system, academic library system and public library systems.
A one year M.Phil. course is also offered by the department. The minimum eligibility for admission is a Master's degree in library and information science with at least 55 per cent marks.
The selection is based on the marks scored in the Master's course and an interview. The department also offers research facilities leading to Ph.D. degree. The minimum eligibility is a Master's degree in library and information science with at least 55 per cent marks and a pass in the UGC-NET. Web site: www.dliskerala.org.
The School of Communication and Information Science under the Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University, Kottayam, offers B.LISc. and M.LISc. courses. The one year (two semester) M.LISc. course here is conducted on a self-financing basis.
The Department of Library Science under the SB College, Changanassery, affiliated to the MG University conducts B.LISc. (30 seats) and M.LISc. (30 seats) courses. Admission to M.LISc. course is open to graduates in library and information science with at least 50 per cent marks. (For details visit www.sbcollege.org).
The Department of Library and Information Science of the Calicut University offers an integrated two year MLISc course.
Graduates in any discipline are eligible for admission. M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes are also conducted.
Eligibility for M.LISc. degree course is at least 50 per cent marks in the degree course.
Address: Department of Library and Information Science, University of Calicut, Calicut University Campus, Tenhipalam, Malappuram.
Majilis Arts and Science College, Valancherry, Malappuram, also conducts integrated M.LISc. / B.LISc. programmes.
Outside Kerala
The Department of Library and Information Science of several universities in the country offers higher education facilities including B.LISc., two-year integrated M.LISc., one-year M.LISc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in the discipline. The following are a few among them:
University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai
Bangalore University, Bangalore - 560056
Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608002
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530003
University of Mumbai, Mumbai - 400098
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221005
Jiwaji University, Gwalior
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh- 202002
The Documentation, Research and Training Centre in Bangalore and the Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre, New Delhi, offer associateships in documentation and information science to experienced graduate librarians. The associateship is recognised as equivalent to M.LISc. degree.
Distance learning mode
Many universities offer graduate and postgraduate course in library and information science through distance education mode.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers both these courses. Web site: www.ignou.ac.in.
The Institute of Distance Education of the University of Madras and the Directorate of Distance Educations of the Madurai Kamaraj University also offer graduate and postgraduate courses in library and information science. Web sites: www.unom.ac.in; www.mkudde.org.
Institute of Distance Education of the University of Kerala, Kariyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, offers B.LISc. degree course through the distance education mode.
Directorate of Distance Education of Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, conducts B.LISc. course in the distance education mode. Web site: www.svudde.org.
Those who desire to get a government job should ensure that these distance learning courses are approved by the joint Committee of the Distance Education Council and UGC.
The list is only indicative. Details of more universities that offer higher education facilities in library and information science under the regular and distance education mode can be collected from the university handbooks published by the Association of Indian Universities which is available for reference in all University employment information and guidance bureaux functioning under universities.
Career prospects
Those who have passed B.LISc. and M.LISc. degrees are eligible to become second and third grade librarians or university library assistants.
Those who have obtained an M.LISc. or Ph.D. and have cleared the Junior Research Fellowship-National Eligibility Test (JRF-NET) can become lecturers in colleges and university departments.
To become a grade I librarian or assistant librarian in a college or university department, the requirement is M.LISc. and UGC- NET.
Job opportunities for postgraduate librarians are many in colleges, university departments, science and technology departments/ institutions, research organisations and so on. Scientific institutes appoint M.LISc. degree holders as scientific assistants/ officers
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A scholarly profession with promise



The coming together of books and information technology requires today’s librarians to be interested in both                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      


Financial woes: Among Indian libraries, the digital movement is lagging far behind.

In the era of the global economy, the future of a country is tied to knowledge-leveraged growth. The prime movers to achieve such growth are education, research, and communication. A formidable infrastructure in education, reinforced by well-knit communication and dissemination systems is a sine qua non for knowledge-based growth.
Life and living all around is today virtually under the grip of information and communication technologies. The enormous, unlimited array of information has to be managed and systematically transformed into a useful input for instant use. As such, automation of libraries is the demand of the hour worldwide to provide online access to books, journals and allied material.
The work-culture in libraries is changing fast. Cyber libraries are opening, packed with digital documents, CD-Roms and talking books. Several libraries are being connected for resource sharing using the Internet. Information like research findings, data, databases, online yellow pages, electronic mail services, investment guides, travel guidelines with related maps, educational and career guidance and the like can easily be retrieved.
As publishing is now moving to digital-media-formats, a library likewise needs to advance its devices and networking to make use of the digital material. Here, the collection of the library is stored and maintained in computer-accessible-form and accessed digitally through computer networking, regardless of its location. The process makes well-ordered, instant information-retrieval possible, globally.
People are getting net-savvy and the demand for online digital information service is increasing manifold. Among Indian libraries, the digital movement is lagging far behind, primarily due to financial limitations.
The old systems of acquisition, storage, organisation and dissemination are becoming obsolete. With the onslaught of Information Technology and the Internet, the very anatomy and application of resource material have been revolutionised. The present-day library is a liaison in communication progression and so is more ‘service-adept’ and less ‘resource-oriented’.
Likewise, staff members have to be technically accomplished and skilfully proficient. Today, the librarian (or, Information Professional) functions as a “navigator”, an updater of information to intellectual reserves, with the help of search engines, e-resources, digitalisation and tools like Gopher, FTP, Telnet, Unix, MS-Office, Windows, Linux and so on.
Emerging challenges
Jobs in a library also consist of budgeting, accounting, acquisition of collection, organisation and management of the institution, besides rendering service to readers. IT, digitalisation, online global information, automation have added new dimensions. In the areas of self-education, distant learning and online schooling, the library is indispensable.
The library profession has truly perceived the diversified dynamics of its job paradigms and so the training courses have been designed and drawn up accordingly, to meet emerging requirements and challenges. Currently, the following courses in LI. Sc are conducted by universities.
• 10+2+3+1 Bachelor of Library and B.LI.Sc. Information Science (admission requirement: degree in any discipline)
• 10+2+3+1+1 Master of Library and M.LI.Sc. Information Science (truncated course, one-year M.LI.Sc.) (admission requirement - B.L.I.Sc.)
• 10+2+3+2 Master of Library and M.L.I.Sc. Information Science (integrated course) (admission requirement: degree in any discipline)
• 10+2+3+2 Master of Library and M.L.I.Sc Information Science (bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Library and Information Science as one of the optional subjects)
Universities are also conducting research and Ph.D programmes in Library and Information Science. Besides, certificate courses in Library Science of three to six-month duration are conducted at some places by Library Associations, for higher secondary students to work as semi-professional or librarian in a small library. Knowledge of foreign languages is an advantage in this profession.
A knowledgeable librarian works as a guide, making the reader aware of the relevant literature, like any other teacher. In academic libraries, library professional’s grades and status have therefore, been prescribed by the UGC on a par with those of teachers of the universities and colleges. University Librarian, Deputy Librarian and Assistant Librarian are placed in the pay-scales of University Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor respectively, provided they possess qualification on a par with the teachers, as prescribed by the UGC. In the institutions of science and technology and scientific research, library professionals are treated on a par with those of the corresponding scientists. In public libraries, however, librarians’ grades are not uniform and satisfactory. Grades here differ from State to State and much needs to be done to improve the conditions of the staff.
With increased emphasis on spread of literacy and education, and a good number of new universities, IITs, engineering colleges, business and management schools and industrial establishments coming up, the job-market for library professionals looks green.
Regarded as a noble profession, it is well-suited to women, to work in a quite environment, assisting information-seekers, especially the children.
The librarian’s job is scholarly; it’s a career with promise of growth, meant for those interested in books and reading and keeping their knowledge abreast with contemporary literature and research.
SHRI NATH SAHAI
Retired University
Professor-Librarian

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE - Om Shashi Shekhar Singh



Library and Information Science (LIS) is an interdisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the political economy of information. The libraries being the repositories of knowledge and information, their importance has increased. In this situation, the librarianship has attained the status of a separate discipline. Librarians are the custodians of libraries and they organize, maintain, and store books in the libraries. They help people to find information and use it effectively in their personal and professional lives. The traditional libraries which contained only books now have periodicals, journals, micro-films, audio-videos, cassettes and slides for various purposes such as education, research, reference and pleasure.
      Historically, library science has also included archival science. This includes how information resources are organized to serve the needs of select user groups, how people interact with classification systems and technology, how information is acquired, evaluated and applied by people in and outside of libraries as well as cross-culturally, how people are trained and educated for careers in libraries, the ethics that guide library service and organization, the legal status of libraries and information resources, and the applied science of computer technology used in documentation and records management.
      The career in library includes areas like library and information systems management, classification/cataloguing systems, bibliography, documentation, preservation and conservation of manuscript, collection management, information systems and technology, research methodology, computer applications, reference, statistics and management, information processing, archives management, indexing, library planning, etc. Library science is constantly evolving, incorporating new topics like database management, information architecture and knowledge management, among others. It is an interesting subject and provides a great opportunity to have the knowledge of wide variety of information sources.
A Day in a LIS Professional’s Life 
      
On a typical day a librarian might perform some of the following duties:-
  1. ranalyse users’ needs and provide the information they need;
  2. show users how to efficiently search for information on the Internet and in other online resources;
  3. select and purchase materials and prepare those materials by classifying them according to subject matter;
  4. supervise assistants who prepare cards, computer records, or other access tools that direct users to resources;
  5. collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in a specific field, such as rare books, genealogy, or music;
  6. coordinate programs such as storytelling for children, and literacy skills and book talks for adults;
  7. conduct classes as per need for junior professionals;
  8. publicize services;
Eligibility 
      The first school for library science was founded by Melvil Dewey at Columbia University in 1887. The minimum qualification required to take up a course in Library Science is XII standard. Graduates from any stream can go for Bachelors degree in library science the duration of which is one year/ two semesters. After that, students can go for Masters Degree in library science, which is of one-year duration/two semesters course. Advanced studies in Library & Information Science include M. Phil and Ph.D. Besides, there are also diploma and certificate courses. Basically, a good librarian should have keen interest in books as well as a variety of topics, excellent communication skills, customer service attitude, methodical approach, high organizing ability/skills, and ability of understanding user needs.
Employment outlook and opportunities  
      According to one report, library and information science has been ranked as one of the “Best Careers of 2008.” As India is moving towards a knowledge society with proliferation of learning and research institutes the demand and importance of library science is growing rapidly. Consequently, job opportunities for librarians are on the upswing. Nevertheless, with the advent of information technology and computers the traditional concept of is being redesigned to include not only books and other printed materials but also new tools of information like CD-ROM, internet, virtual libraries etc. There is a lot of scope for a career in library science and the person in this field can find employment opportunities in the following areas.
1.   Public/Government libraries
2.   Universities/collages/schools and other academic institutions
3.   News agencies and organisations
4.   Private organisations and special libraries
5.   Foreign embassies
6.   Photo/film/radio/television libraries
7.   Information centres/documentation centers
8.   Companies and organisations with large information handling requirements
9.   Museums and galleries, which have reading rooms and research facilities
 10. Law library/Special library, etc.
Types of library-science professionals: 

Some of the career options are as given below:
  1. Library Attendant
  2. Library Assistant
  3. Semi-Professional Assistant
  4. Junior Librarian/Professional Assistant
  5. Assistant Librarian
  6. Deputy Librarian
  7. Librarian/Chief Librarian
  8. Researcher/Scientists/Application Specialist
  9. Consultant/Reference Librarian
  10. Cataloguer/Technical Assistant/Records Manager
  11. Director/Head Of Information Centre
  12. Senior Information Analyst
  13. Junior Information Analyst
  14. Senior Library Information Assistant
  15. Law Librarian
  16. Indexer
  17. Information architect
  18. Archivist
      LIS professionals can also aspire to get a job in private publishing houses and other private companies handling with voluminous information.
Remuneration

In the age of information revolution librarianship is a well paid job. However salaries of library professionals vary depending upon their individual qualifications, experience, size and nature of the hiring institutes. Persons with a superior record and high qualifications can achieve high positions. The salaries in college and university libraries are comparable to those of teachers. Indeed, the salaries of special librarians are high. Librarians employed in government museum, archives, galleries have higher earnings than those in colleges and universities. Librarians working in research institutes and private documentation centres also have handsome earnings.
Some of the Major Institutions offering Courses in Library Science 
      National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resource (NISCAIR) New Delhi and Documentation Research & Training Centre (DRTC) Bengaluru are two prime institute offering Library and Information Science courses. Besides this, mostly all Indian universities offer degree courses in Library & Information Science, some are:
  • Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
  • Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (Website: www.bhu.ac.in)
  • Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
  • University of Delhi, Delhi
  • Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi
  • Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
  • Sampurnand Sanskrit Vishvidyalaya, Varanasi
  • Kurukhetra University, Haryana
  • Panjab University
  • Gujarat University;
  • Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu
  • Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
  • Makhanlal Chaturvedi National Institute of Journalism, Bhopal
  • Andhra University and Amravati University, Maharashtra
  • Arya Vidyapeeth Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Bharatpur (Rajasthan)
  • University of Rajasthan, Bhusawar , Bharatpur-321406, Rajashthan
  • Awadhesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa (Madhya Pradesh)- 486003 
  • Bangalore University, Bangalore (Karnataka)
  • Behani Siksha Mahavidyalaya, Pushkar Bye Pass, Ajmer (Rajasthan) – 305001
  • Bhavnagar University, Gauyrishanker Lake Road, Bhavnagar (Gujarat)- 364002
  • Birla Institute of Technology, Mersa, Ranchi ( Jharkhand )- 835215
  • Bishop Heber College, Post Box No. 615 , Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu)- 620017
  • Bundelkhand University, Kanpur Road , Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh)- 284128
  • Osmania University Campus , Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)– 500007
  • Lucknow University, Lucknow
  • Dr. Hari Singh Gour Sagar University, Sagar (M.P.)
  • Jivaji University, Gwalior (M.P.)
  • Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra (U.P.)
  • Bilaspur University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
Distance Education
  1. Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068 Website : www.ignou.ac.in
  2. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Road No.46, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033, E-mail : braouap@hdl.dot.net.in
  3. Kota Open University, Rawatbhata Road, Akhelgarh, Kota-324010, Rajasthan, Tel.: 91-744-421254
  4. Nalanda Open University Camp. Office, 9 , Adarsh Colony, Kidwaipuri, Patna - 800001, Bihar, Tel.: 91-612-234330
  5. Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Dnyanagangotri, Near Gangapur Dam, Nashik-422005, Maharashtra, Website : www.ycmou.com 
  6. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, Red Cross Bhawan, Shivaji Nagar, Bhopal-462016, Madhya Pradesh, Tel.: 91-755-550606
  7. Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Govt. Bungalow No.9, Dafnala, Shahi Baug, Ahmedabad-380003, Gujarat, Tel.: 91-79-2869690
  8. Karnataka State Open University, Manasagangotri, Mysore - 570006, Karnataka Tel.: 91-821-515149
  9. Netaji Subhas Open University, 1, Woodburn Park, Kolkata -700020, West Bengal E-mail : nsou@cal2.vsnl.net.in
  10. U.P.Rajarshi Tandon Open University, 17, Maharshi Dayanand  Marg (Thornhill Road), Allahabad -21100, Uttar Pradesh, E-mail : sanyal@nde.vsnl.net.in

(The above list is indicative only)
(the writer is, Chief Librarian, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mewat - 122108, Haryana, E-mail:shekharlib@yahoo.co.in)

Source/Courtesy- Employement News

Vacancies at DELNET for LIS Professionals.

Applications are invited for the following posts in DELNET, NEW DELHI
Details of Qualifications and Experience
1. Network Assistant
Candidates with M.L.I.Sc. , training/degree in computer applications and good experience in library automation
2. Network Trainees
Candidates with BLISc/M.L.I.Sc with certificate/degree in computer applications
Salaries as per qualifications and experience.
Apply to:
Director, DELNET, JNU Campus, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070 by post or by e-mail at hkkaul@gmail.com

School of Management Science, Lucknow Campus

Post- (i) Librarian (ii) Deputy Librarian, (iii) Assistant Librarian (one each) Location- Lucknow Apply on plain paper, alongwith relevant documents and photographs latest by 10th May, 2012 at the following address- Secretary, School of Management Science(Technical Campus), Lucknow
Campus 19, KM Stone, Lucknow Sultanpur Highway, Lucknow-227125 (UP) Website- www.smslucknow.com email- job@smslucknow.com