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Library
Science
Libraries are
repositories of knowledge, information and entertainment.
They contain books, periodicals, micro-films, videos,
cassettes, for education, research, reference and pleasure.
Those who systematically catalogue, store and display these
items are librarians. Although India with its low literacy
rate does not accord much recognition to this profession, it
is among the top ten most coveted professions in developed
countries. However, with the current thrust on universal
education, a revamp of school and university syllabi, the
development of information technology systems, automation and
computing, and a generally more information-conscious
society, there is an acknowledged need for facilities and
personnel for information storage and management.
The traditional concept of a library is being redefined, from
a place to access paper records or books, to one which also
houses the most advanced media, including CD-ROM, the
Internet, virtual libraries, and remote access to a wide
range of resources.
Some libraries are forming consortiums with other libraries
through electronic mail. This allows patrons to
simultaneously submit information requests to several
libraries. The Internet is also expanding the amount of
available reference information.
These days, librarians are as techno-savvy as the next person
and handle complex research and maintain complex computer
cataloguing and retrieval systems. They must have at their
fingertips a cache of information that includes knowledge of
standard reference material and obscure, sometimes
out-of-print volumes of antiquated books.
Librarians are classified according to the type of library in
which they work-public libraries, school libraries, media
centres, academic libraries, and special libraries.
Librarians also work in information centres or libraries
maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms,
advertising agencies, museums, professional associations,
religious organisations, research laboratories, commercial,
industrial, scientific organisations, public and private
sector undertakings, medical centres, and hospitals.
A librarian's work would involve acquiring, organising and
making available information contained in a library to its
readers. Those who handle duties related to acquiring
materials for the library would need to be able to select and
purchase materials within a given budget. They read book
reviews, publishers' announcements, and catalogues to keep up
with current literature and other available resources, and
select and purchase materials from publishers, wholesalers,
and distributors.
Organising information in a library involves classifying,
cataloguing, recording and storing books and materials in a
manner so as to make it easily accessible to readers and
users. Librarians also compile, collect and organise lists of
books, periodicals, pamphlets, articles, and audiovisual
materials on particular subjects such as rare books,
genealogy, or music, analyse collections, and recommend
materials. Librarians supervise assistants who prepare cards,
computer records, or other access tools that direct users to
resources.
Librarians assist people in finding information and using it
effectively in their personal and professional lives. They
must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public
information sources, and follow trends related to publishing,
computers, and the media to effectively oversee the selection
and organisation of library materials. A librarian thus
disseminates information by answering queries, issuing and
receiving books as well as planning and organising activities
to encourage use of the library, like sending out a
newsletter informing readers of the latest acquisitions, or
inviting an author to read his/her book or sign autographs.
Librarians manage staff and develop and direct information
programmes and systems for the public to ensure information
is organised to meet users' needs.
In addition, they coordinate programmes such as storytelling
for children, and literacy skills and book talks for adults;
conduct classes; publicise services; provide reference help;
write grants; and oversee other administrative matters.
Library and Information Science is not a mere academic
discipline. It is a professional course which involves
practical, observational and experimental study. Education
and training in the discipline is imparted in India at
various levels, ranging from semi-professional, professional
to specialised courses and research programmes.
Certificate and diploma courses in Library Science-ranging in
duration from 3 months to one year-are conducted by colleges,
universities, professional library associations as well as by
some women's polytechnics. These courses are open to students
completing their matriculation or intermediate/Higher
Secondary level studies. In a few places, the course may be
open only to graduates.
Bachelor of Library Science/Bachelor of Library and
Information Science-This one-year degree course is open only
to graduates. In some cases admission is based on academic
merit, in others an entrance examination determines
selection.
Master of Library Science (MLSc) Master of Library and
Information Science (MLISc). This is a one-year, sometimes
2-year, course. It is offered mostly to those who have
acquired the BLSc./BLISc. degree. Distance Education
programmes or correspondence course in Library
Science/Library and Information Science are useful for those
who are working or for those who are staying in places where
full-time programmes are not available. It is always better
to have done a full-time course in this type of discipline,
where there is as much to learn by observing and doing as
there is from theoretical study. A typical graduate programme
includes courses in the foundations of library and
information science, including the history of books and
printing, intellectual freedom and censorship, and the role
of libraries and information in society. Other basic courses
cover material selection and processing, the organisation of
information, reference tools and strategies, and user
services. Courses are adapted to educate librarians to use
new resources brought about by advancing technology such as
on-line reference systems, Internet search methods, and
automated circulation systems. Course options can include
resources for children or young adults; classification,
cataloguing, indexing, and abstracting; library
administration; and library automation.
Librarians with computer and information systems skills can
work as automated systems librarians, planning and operating
computer systems, and information science librarians,
designing information storage and retrieval systems and
developing procedures for collecting, organising,
interpreting, and classifying information.
These librarians analyse and plan for future information
needs. The increased use of automated information systems
enables librarians to focus on administrative and budgeting
responsibilities and specialised research requests, while
delegating more technical and user services responsibilities
to technicians.
Recruitment to jobs in university libraries is conducted
through the University Grants Commission and terms of work
and remuneration are also offered as per UGC rules. However,
there are many private libraries attached to schools,
colleges, and autonomous institutions that offer challenging
work and good prospects for the future. A master's degree or
at least a bachelor's degree in library science is necessary
for librarian positions in most public, academic, and special
libraries. In addition, most special librarians supplement
their education with knowledge of the subject specialisation,
sometimes earning a master's, doctoral, or professional
degree in the subject. Subject specialisations include
medicine, law, business, engineering, and the natural and
social sciences. For example, a librarian working for a law
firm may also be a lawyer, holding both library science and
law degrees.
A Ph.D or M.Phil degree in library and information science is
advantageous for a college teaching position, research work
or a top administrative job in a college or university
library or large library system.
Master's degree holders in any discipline or those who hold
any degree such as Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or MBBS or
have completed BLISc./BLSc. and have three years' experience
in library and information science can avail of the
opportunity to apply for :
2-year Associateship in Information Science (equivalent to
MLISc.) at Indian National Scientific and Documentation
Centre (INSDOC), 14 Satsang Vihar Marg, New Delhi-110067
2-year Associateship in Documentation and Information Science
at Indian Statistical Institute, Documentation Research and
Training Centre (DRTC), 8th Mile, Mysore Road,
Bangalore-56005.
In fact, with the information boom, qualified librarians can
diversify to several new growth areas like database
management, reference tool development, training of database
users, systems analysis especially relating to computer work,
as also documentation work, desktop printing and publishing,
bibliography work and organisation and management of
information units. Entrepreneurial librarians sometimes start
their own consulting practices, acting as freelance
librarians or information brokers and providing services to
other libraries, businesses, or government agencies.
The increasing use of computerised information storage and
retrieval systems has resulted in fewer vacancies for
librarians than had been usual a few years ago. This also
means that librarians must be technicians too, but by the
same token their clerical work has decreased significantly.
With the use of Internet, many libraries are equipped for
users to access library computers directly from their homes
or offices. These systems allow users to bypass librarians
and conduct research on their own.
However, librarians are needed to manage staff, help users
develop database searching techniques, address complicated
reference requests, and define users'needs.
Many companies are turning to librarians because of their
research and organisational skills, and knowledge of computer
databases and library automation systems. Librarians can
review vast amounts of information and analyse, evaluate, and
organise it according to a company's specific needs.
Librarians are also hired by organisations to set up
information on the Internet. Librarians working in these
settings may be classified as systems analysts, database
specialists and trainers, webmasters or web developers, or
LAN (Local Area Network) coordinators.
The information specialist, for that is what a librarian is
today, thus has to deal with a range of sources far beyond
books and other printed material and play a key role in the
process of communication of information.
Graduate or post-graduate courses in Library Sciences and
Information Systems are offered by almost all major
universities of India.
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