Library and Information Science

Libraries are centres of Knowledge. They act as a tool for imparting knowledge. Libraries have their own significance even in this digital days and they play a major role in conveying Information to the public. Library Management courses have gained prominence these days. A Librarian is a person who provides Books to Readers and does proper maintenance of Libraries. They have a good reputation both Personally and Professionally.

Demand for this course has grown significantly as a result of a significant increase in the number of Educational Institutions and Research Organisations. The "Library and Information Science" department now plays an important role in the Research and Education system. It focuses on Information Technology, Education, Politics, Financial Information, Library Data Collection, Data Protection and Information Dissemination. There is also Archival Science in the Library Science section. Here you will find Information about Ancient civilizations and Society.

There were only books in the traditional Libraries. But the Libraries now available do Research on Periodicals, Journals, Microfilms, Audio- video CDs, Documentaries, and School- college education. It also includes the Computerization of Information on endangered Languages, Literature and the Arts.

Example: Computerization of Palm leaf texts, and Vedas.

'Library science' has become a sought- after profession. The services provided by Libraries such as the Legitimacy of information resources, and the compilation of documents and management records using Computer Technology have attracted many students to choose Library Science as a profession. In 1887 a Librarian named 'Melvil Dewey' started the first department of 'Library Science' at Columbia University. Later, many Universities and Institutes around the world recognized its importance and launched various Courses.

Courses Available:

Various courses are available in the 'Library and Information Science', They are:

❖ Certificate courses (C.Li.Sc / C.LIB), Diploma courses (D.Li.Sc / D.LIB) can be done with Intermediate qualification.

❖ Those who have a Degree in any field can do a one- year Bachelor's course (B.Li.Sc).

❖ Those who have completed Bachelor Degree in 'Library and Information Science' can do one year PG Course (M.Li.Sc).

❖ Candidates who have completed PG course can also do M.Phil, Ph.D in Library and Information Science.

Employment Opportunities:

❖ ‘Library and Information Science is growing as a profession that offers outstanding Job opportunities. At a time when India is moving towards development, the importance of this sector is increasing. Job opportunities are expanding accordingly. With the advent of Technology all books became available in the form of CDs. ‘The course of the world has changed with the advent of the internet. This led to the emergence of Electronic Libraries (e- libraries). These are all being forgiven. Students in particular are interested in this.

Opportunities in Various Fields:

❖ Government Libraries

❖ Universities / Colleges / Schools / other Educational Institutions

❖ News Organizations

❖ Private Institutions / Specialized Libraries

❖ Foreign Offices

❖ Photo / Film / Radio / Television Libraries

❖ Information Centers / Documentation Centers

❖ Human Resources required to handle large amounts of Information in Companies/ Organizations

❖ Museums, Galleries

❖ Legal Libraries

Different types of Jobs:

1) Librarian/ Chief Librarian

2) Library Attendant

3) Library Assistant

4) Semi Professional Assistant

5) Junior Librarian / Professional Assistant

6) Assistant Librarian

7) Deputy Librarian

8) Archivist

9) Information Architect

10) Index

11) Researcher/ Scientist/ Application Specialist

12) Consultant/ Reference Librarian

13) Cataloguer/ Technical Assistant/ Record Manager(Cataloguer/ Technical Assistant/ Record Manager)

14) Director/ Head of Information Center Director/ Head of Information Center)

15) Senior Information Analyst

16) Junior Information Analyst

17) Senior Library Information Assistant

18) Law Librarian

Salaries:

❖ Librarians working in the wake of the Information revolution are getting better Salaries. Employee salaries depend on the company. Salary depends on Qualifications and Experience.

❖ Those who are well educated and Skilled in this profession have the opportunity to rise to a Higher position in a short period of time. Salary is higher for those who work as specialized Librarians.

❖ Most Colleges and Universities pay Library employees’ salaries in accordance with UGC regulations.

❖ Central Government Research Institutes like DRDO, ISRO, CSIR, ICAR pay salaries to Library Employees on par with Technical Employees. Library Employees in these Institutions are paid a salary of Rs. 9300- 34,800.

Functions:

❖ Library- Information Systems Management, Bibliography, Documentation, Manuscript Preservation, Information System Knowledge, Research Approach, Computer Applications, Statistical Management, Database Management of records, Library Planning are important in these professional functions.

❖ Library Science is gaining prominence with the latest changes such as Database and Knowledge Management. Obtaining Information from available resources is a topic of increased interest.

❖ Study the needs of the customers and provide them with the Information they need.

❖ Effectively gather Information from the Internet and other sources of information.

❖ Giving appropriate instructions to those who make Computer records utilizing information resources.

❖ Collection and Monitoring of Books, Pamphlets, Manuscripts, and other rare books.

❖ Raising Educational skills through Stories in young children and introducing books that Adults need should be considered as a duty.

❖ Conducting specialized training classes for Juniors as needed.

What are the Required Skills...?

➢ Those who want to excel as a good Librarian should have a good grasp of Books and Current Affairs.

➢ Requires qualities such as Good Communication skills, Service Orientation, Management ability, and Recognition of the needs of others.

Some of the Major Educational Institutions offering Library Science courses are:

 ✶ National Institute of Science Communication and Information Policy Research (CSIR- NIScPR) in Delhi. 

Website: https://niscpr.res.in/

 ✶  Documentation Research and Training Center (DRTC) in Bangalore.

Website: https://drtc.isibang.ac.in/

In addition, almost all the leading universities in the country offer this course. They are:

Educational Institutions offering Library Science Course through Distance Education:

1) Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

Website: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/

2) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad

Website: https://braou.ac.in/#gsc.tab=0

3) Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Website: https://nagarjunauniversity.ac.in/indexanu.php

4) Kota Open University, Rajasthan.

Website: https://www.vmou.ac.in/

5) Nalanda Open University, Bihar.

Website: http://www.nou.ac.in/

6) Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik.

Website: https://ycmou.digitaluniversity.ac/

7) Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal.

Website: http://mpbou.edu.in/

8) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad.

Website: https://baou.edu.in//

9) Karnataka State Open University, Mysore.

Website: https://www.ksoumysuru.ac.in/

10) Netaji Subhash Open University, Kolkata.

Website: http://wbnsou.ac.in/

11) U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad.

Website: www.uprtou.ac.in