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Libraries are repositories of knowledge, information and entertainment. They contain books, periodicals, micro-films, videos, cassettes and records for education, research, reference and pleasure. Those who systematically catalogue, store and display these items are librarians, and their role as custodians of learning and culture can be equated to that of teachers and educationists. 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 automation and computing, and a generally more information conscious society, there is an acknowledged need for facilities and personnel for information storage and management.
There are different kinds of libraries depending on the purpose and readership. Public libraries are set up to serve a general range of services for the public. These could include a mobile lending library and smaller area branches. A librarian's work would involve acquiring, organising and making available information contained in a library to its readers. While librarians at different levels handle a variety of tasks covered within these broad areas, a librarian would need to be trained in skills that relate to all these areas of work. 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, and would need to be in touch with the latest developments in various subjects to be able to maintain a balanced collection. 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. A librarian also 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. Recruitment to jobs in government and 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 any number of private libraries attached to schools, colleges, and autonomous institutions that offer challenging work and good prospects for the future. In fact with the information boom and with access to information spelling power, qualified librarians can diversify to several new growth areas like database management, systems analysis especially relating to computer work, as also documentation work, desktop printing and publishing, bibliography work and organisation and management of information units. Qualified librarians can enter the profession at any level though much depends on the qualifications acquired. With a diploma or certificate in Library science one can join a library as a library clerk or attendant, where the work would involve shelving books, handling subscriptions, location of missing books, shelf arrangements and so on. Those with a Bachelor's degree in library science receive and issue books and could be responsible for accessing information and handling computer data. To be a junior librarian one would need to have a Master's degree while an Assistant or Deputy Librarian posts require an M.Phil. or PhD in the subject. However, there are no hard and fast demarcations in these career levels as small libraries could have individuals handling several duties simultaneously.
Eligibility: There are several universities, colleges and polytechnics that offer graduate and post-graduate degree courses, diplomas and certificates in library or information science. It is also possible to study for this course through distance learning or correspondence courses. Some of the institutes are listed below:
To become a librarian one needs a basic interest in books, as well as in a variety of topics and information contained in books. Good communication skills, a methodical mind, retentive memory and organising ability are other personal attributes required to go into this profession.
The job prospects that are open to librarians are in the following fields:
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