Library and Information Science as career

Ranjan K Baruah *

Library at Manipur University (MU), Canchipur in October 2014 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

Can there be any career related to libraries? Yes, the subject or career option related to library is Library and Information Science.

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.

Minimum educational qualification required to take up a course in Library Science is graduation. One with graduation can go for Bachelors degree in library science. Duration of this bachelors course is one year. Those with Bachelor degree in library science can go for Masters degree in library science which is of one year duration. One can also go for M.Phil and Ph.D in this field. There are also diploma and certificate courses.

Today there are a number of career prospects in Library and Information Science. The qualified professionals are employed in various libraries and information Centers.

Trained library professionals can find opportunities for employment both as teacher and as a Librarian. In Librarianship, designations could be Librarian, Documentation Officer, Assistant Librarian, Deputy Librarian, Scientist (Library Science/ Documentation), Library and Information Officer, Knowledge Manager/ Officer, Information Executive, Director/Head of Library Services, Information Officer, and Information Analyst Courses in LIS includes Certificate course in Library and Information science, Diploma course in Library and Information Science (DLISC or DLIB), Bachelor in Library and information science (BLISC or B.LIB), Master in Library and information Science (MLISC or M.LIB) Eli, M.Phil in Library and Information science , Ph.D in library and Information Science .

Employment opportunities are also diverse as there is a lot of scope for a career in library science. One may get employment is Public/Government libraries, Universities/colleges/schools and other academic institutions, news agencies and organizations, private organisations and special libraries, foreign embassies, information centres/documentation centers, Museums and galleries, which have reading rooms and research facilities, etc.

Updates:

CDS Examination: A Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE ) will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC) on 23rd October, 2016. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun shall admit 150 individuals for 143rd Course commencing in July, 2017 [Including 19 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders]. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala shall admit 45 individuals commencing in July, 2017 Executive (General Service) [including 06 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders (Naval Wing)].

Air Force Academy, Hyderabad—(Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July, 2017 i.e. No. 202/16F/PC shall admit 32 individuals. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai—106th SSC Course (for Men) commencing in October, 2017 shall admit take 175 individuals. Officers Training Academy, Chennai—20th SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course commencing in October, 2017 shall take 11 individuals. Aspirants may apply online and the last Date for Submission of Applications is 12th August.

Mathematics Scholarship: National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) Post Graduate scholarships is offered to students for pursuing studies for M.A. /M.Sc degree in Mathematics. Aspirants may apply on or before 29th July and selection test would be held on 17th September.

Rhodes Scholarships:

The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding all-round students at the University of Oxford, and providing transformative opportunities for exceptional individuals. Each year, there are five Scholarships available for India to enable outstanding students – chosen on the basis of exceptional intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service – to study at the University of Oxford. Last date for applying is 31st July.