Library Science

Library staff performs a variety of functions, such as, organizing content, helping people to use it effectively and providing right information to the right person at the right time. That is why libraries have also become to be known as knowledge centers. Library science work can be divided into three main parts - general services (like- exchange of books), technical work (entry of books, cataloging or indexing, etc.) and administrative work (maintaining contact with senior officers for increasing facilities or for smooth conduct of library functions, and purchasing of books etc.).

Eligibility

Graduation from any recognized institute or university is required for doing bachelor of library and information science (BLib) course. Whereas, 12th pass is required for doing certificate or diploma courses.

Scope

Number and variety of staff in a library varies according to its size. Librarian or library manager is the head. The post is equivalent to the post of a professor. Then comes the deputy librarian (equivalent to the post of a reader), assistant librarian (equivalent to the post of a lecturer), and the posts of Library Assistants or Technical Assistants etc. All are trained in Library and Information Science.

Potential

In addition to decent sized and rich libraries in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, public and private institutions are also equipped with libraries and Reference Departments in order to enhance awareness. Media, especially the spread of electronic media has also paved the way for development of the reference departments. National Knowledge Commission has recommended opening of nearly 1500 universities by the year 2015. Naturally, a large number of libraries will also come into existence. Even corporate companies are also promoting the library culture on their premises and offering handsome salary to their library staff. Most libraries have already equipped themselves with video library, cassette - CD library, computer library, cyber library, internet library, photo library, Song Library (radio stations or FM channels), and slide library etc. A large number of trained professionals are required for these.

Earning

Starting salary for a library assistant or a technical assistant is more than ten thousand rupees per month. Being appointed as an assistant librarian in Universities or equivalent educational institutions guarantees even better salary and perks.

Courses

 • Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLib)
 • Master of Library and Information Science (Mlib)
 • Certificate or diploma courses

Institutes

 1. Delhi University, Delhi
 2. Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi
 3. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
 4. Banaras Hindu University
 5. Aligarh Muslim University
 6. Allahabad University, Allahabad
 7. Lucknow University, Lucknow
 8. Patna University, Patna
 9. Awadh Pratap Singh University, Rewa
 10. Dr. Hari Singh Gaur University, Sagar
 11. Bundelkhand University, Jhansi
 12. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
 13. Punjab University, Chandigarh
 14. Jammu University, Jammu
 15. Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra