Library and Information Science is a profession which has undergone tremendous changes in the recent past. From the role of being the custodians of libraries and books, librarians has evolved to be information managers, knowledge mangers and information analysts. The required skill set to be a library and information professional has also changed.
Employment Opportunities
There is a lot of scope for career in the field and one can find employment in the following institutions.
- Public/Government libraries
- Academic Institutions - Universities/colleges/schools/training centres
- R&D Centres/Special Libraries
- News agencies and organisations/Radio and Television
- Private organisations/Corporate companies
- Foreign embassies/High Commissions
- Information centres/documentation centers
- Museums and galleries
- Banking sector
- Publishing Houses (Indexing and Abstracting/Cataloguing)
- Digital Library Projects
To become a grade I librarian or assistant librarian in a college or university department, the requirement is M.LISc. and UGC- NET.
Courses in Library Science
There are a number of courses offered by various universities and institutions ranging from diploma courses to doctorate degrees.
Certificate in Library & Information Sc. (CLISc)/Certificate in Library Sc. (CLSc).
Matric/10+2 or equivalent
Certificate in Information, communication & Technology (ICT) Application in Library (CICTAL)
10+2 with CLISc/DLSc
Diploma in Library & Information Sc (DLISc)/ Diploma in Library Sc (DLSc)
10+2 or equivalent
Bachelor of Library & Information Sc (BLISc)/Bachelor of Library Sc (BLSc)
Graduation or equivalent
Post Graduate Diploma in Libaray Automation & Networking (PGDLAN)
BLIS/BLSc
Master of Library & Information Sc. (MLISc)/ Master of Library Sc. (MLSc)
BLISc/BLSc
MLISc/MLSc (Integrated Course)
Graduation or equivalent
Associateship in Documentation and Information Science (ADIS) [Equivalent to MLISc/MLSc
BLISc/BLSc/MBBS/BE/PG/ or equivalent
Associateship of Information Science (ALS) [Equivalent to MLISc/MLSc]
BLISc/BLSc/MBBS/BE/PG/ or equivalent
MSc (Information Science) [equivalent to MLISc/MLSc]
Graduation/MBBS/BE/B.Pharma/or equivalent
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.
MLISc/MLSc or equivalent
Doctor of philosophy ( Ph.D)
MLISc/MLSc or equivalent
Doctor of Literature (D. Litt)
Ph.D
Most universities in India offer one year Bachelor's degree in library and information science or two year integrated Master's degree. Many universities offer graduate and postgraduate course in library and information science through distance education mode. Other prestigious organisations offering specialized courses in the field are the following
- M.S. Library and Information Sciences (2 years)Selection of candidates for the M.S. programme will be based on academic records and performance of the candidate in an all-India written entrance test and interview. There is no tuition fee for the programme and all eligible students will receive a stipend.
- Junior Research Fellowship (4 1/2 year)Masters in Library and Information Science/Associateship in Documentation and Information Science by DRTC/Associateship in Information Science by INSDOC or any exam equivalent from a recognized Indian or foreign university (obtained after a minimum of 12+3+2 years of education) with at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination.Selection of candidates for the JRF programme will be based on academic records and performance of the candidate in an all-India written entrance test and interview. There is no tuition fee for the programme and all eligible students will receive a stipend.
Associateship in Information Science (AIS)
AIS is a two years course equivalent to Master degree in Library & Information Science recognised by Govt. of India & many Universities. The students for this course are selected through a written test and interview held at Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai. Persons having a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in (i) Master's degree or (ii) four-year plus degree like B.E./M.B.B.S or (iii) Bachelor's degree and B.Lib.Sc. with one year of relevent experience are eligible to apply.
Offers Six months Certificate Course in Library & Information Science (41 seats)
A pass in SSLC or its equivalent is the minimum required qualification'
A stipend of Rs, 900/- per month will be given to the students during two months training under "Earn While You Learn" scheme
Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and University of Hyderabad offers one year Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN) in distance mode.
