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LIBRARY Libraries are wealth of knowledge, information and entertainment. In libraries we can find books, periodicals, micro-films, audio cassettes, video cassettes, for education, research, reference and pleasure. The person who systematically catalogue, store and display these items are librarians. Although in India with its low literacy rate we do not accord much recognition to this profession, but it is among the top ten most coveted professions in developed countries. With the current thrust on good and quality 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 need for facilities and personnel for information storage and management of theese task in libraries. Now the traditional concept of a library is redefined, now library is a place to access paper records or books, to one which also houses media, including CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and remote access to a wide range of resources. 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. Job Responsibility A librarian's work would involve acquiring, organising managing and making available information contained in a library to its readers. Acquiring 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 and then they decide what they have to purchase. Organising Organising information in a library involves classifying, cataloguing, recording and storing books and materials in a manner so that 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. About the Course
Graduate or post-graduate courses in Library Sciences and Information Systems are offered by almost all major universities of India. 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. Certficate Course 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 and by IGNOU. 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 Course 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. Matters Course 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. Job Prospects
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 :
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. |