Libraries have been the major source of information from ages. The reputation of any Library is built not only by good books but also on how well they are organized for the benefit of readers. Hence every Library run by today IT oriented Institutions & organization is in need of dynamic, innovative & dedicated Librarians who can make the Library a place of solace for voracious readers.

The reasons for demand of Professional Librarians

1. Increase in the number of educational institutions, universities, research organizations, NGO’s, etc.

2. Establishment of various kinds of Libraries like public, religious, audio, technical, cultural, etc..

3. Computerization of data & its effective documentation in the form of reports, books & journals.

4. Development & maintenance of records in accordance with International standards.

5. Setting up of digital libraries world wide & its management depending on corporate requirements.

Courses & Eligibility

Certificate Courses & Diploma Courses (6months )

Eligibility : SSLC / 10th / 12th pass.

Bachelor of Library & Information Science : B.L.I.Sc (1year)

Eligibility : Graduation (any stream )

Master of Library & Information Science : M.L.I.Sc (1or 2years)

Eligibility : B.L.I.Sc or 4year degree Graduation (BE / MBBS)

Note : Many universities conduct an entrance exams for B.L.I.Sc & M.L.I.Sc courses.

A Librarian’s Job

Being a librarian, one is required to work at different levels. A few important duties of a Librarian are :

1. Plan for the budget & purchase the best books in need for the Library.

2. Gather important & necessary information which is beneficial for the readers & make it available.

3. Schedule programs, discussions, activities which will empower the readers & the library.

4. Regularly take feedback from readers & make changes as per the feedback.

5. Manage the staff which takes care of book shelving, cataloging, indexing, coding, etc.

6. Make the Library worth a “Life time visit” by building a “relationship” with the readers.

Colleges (Regular course & correspondence)

Many universities of India offer the B.L.I.Sc & M.L.I.Sc courses through regular classes as well as distance mode (correspondence ). A few prominent universities are.

1. Indian National Scientific Documentation Center “ INSDOC”, New Delhi.

2. Annamalai University, Chennai.

3. Kurukshetra University, Haryana.

4. Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.

5. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad.

and many more….

Special Courses for special people !

1. Medical Library Association of India (MLAI), AIIMS, New Delhi offers a diploma course in Medical Librarianship,

2. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS ), New Delhi offers 1 year certificate course in Library Science (CLS), Library clerk & 6 months vocational course in Library Attendant. This course can be taken up by any person who is above 16years (even without education).

Foreign Studies

Several universities in the US & UK offer library sciences courses like

1. Certificate in Competitive Intelligence.

2. Certificate in Digital Information.

3. Master of Science (Library & Information systems ), etc…

These programs are prepared to handle knowledge management over the internet & make digital expert librarians. The American Library Association (ALA) offers many such courses.

Job Prospects

1. For Diploma holders, the first step is being Library clerk / Attendants.

2. Bachelor degree holders can join as Assistant Librarian / Junior Librarian.

3. Masters degree holders (with a good experience) can find good jobs as Chief Librarians.

Most of the jobs depend on your academic qualifications. The higher qualified you are, Insha allah the better job you get. Good jobs are available in

1. Schools, colleges, universities & other educational sections.

2. Government Libraries. (run by Central & State Government)

3. MNC’s & research organizations catering to a specific domain (cultural ,technical, sports , etc..)
Note : In many universities & colleges the Chief Librarians are paid on par with senior lecturers & professors.

(The author is a Career Counsellor with M.S.W – Career Guidance & Information Center, Bangalore.) Any queries , kindly post or email.

M.S.W- Career Guidance & Information Center, # 157/A, 4th ‘C’ Cross, Ilyasnagar, J.P.Nagar Post, Bangalore – 560078. Phone : 0-9845567687. Email : careers.islamicvoice@gmail.com