LIBRARY SCIENCE

Libraries are the reservoirs of knowledge and agencies of communicating information. Libraries are now universally recognized as important institutions. A public library is an important element in the life of a community, an academic library is an essential part of an educational institution, a business or special library is indispensable in Govt. department and large business and industrial organisation. Libraries require proper maintenance and care. Hence the need for a special branch of knowledge, called the Library Science. WORK OF A LIBRARIAN :
A Librarian’s work generally involves classification, indexing, cataloguing, shelving of publications. In addition it may be preparation of abstracts of articles/books and bibliographies. Further he/she has to guide readers in selecting books or in finding pieces of information from internal as well as external sources.
PERSONALITY TRAITS :
A Librarian should have (1) A wide range of interest, (2) patience with readers queries (3) a helping nature, (4) a methodical approach, (5) love for books and (6) a good memory etc.
Different types of libraries require a varied combination of these qualities.
COURSE/TRAINING :
Professional training is essential for entry into the field of librarianship. This is partly due to the technical nature of the work and also because special qualifications are a prerequisite for promotion to higher grades.
Various Universities, Colleges, Polytechnics as well as distance learning institutions around the country offer certificate diploma and graduate and post graduate degree course in library and information science.
ELIGIBILITY :
Eligibility varies with courses and institutions. In general guidelines are :-
1. Certificate/Diploma in Library Science : HSC or equivalent school leaving examination.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science : Graduation in any discipline.
3. Master’s Library Science : Graduation in any discipline.
4. M.Phil/Ph.D. in Library Science : M.Lib.Sc. degree.
SELECTION PROCEDURE :
Selection of candidates is mainly merit based. Some institutions hold admission tests in order to shortlist students.
DURATION :
Course duration varies with the programme and the institutions that is conducting it. Short term certificate courses are between three and eight months. Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree courses are for one year. Some universities also offers 2 years master degree courses.
Specialised courses in the field of Library Science considered equivalent to the M.Lib.Sc. Courses are available at :-
1. Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), Bangalore.
2. Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC), New Delhi.
COURSES AVAILABLE IN ORISSA:
Bachelor in Library Science and Master in Library Science are available in Utkal University, Berhampur University and Sambalpur University.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES :
Trained library professionals can find considerable opportunity for employment as well as job satisfaction in areas that include Govt. public library services, Govt. departmental libraries, universities and other academic institutions, National archives, cultural and educational institutions, private collections and special libraries information centres, photo/film libraries, companies and organisations with large information handling requirements, museum and galleries which usually have reading rooms and research facilities attached.
Now Information Technology has made it possible to have an easy access to information. It further helps in improving efficiency of functioning of the libraries and the entire education system. With the introduction of computer based facilities like compact Disks, Electronic-mail, Internet, etc. the field of library and information science presents exciting opportunities for work.
N.B.: Given dates are subjects to chang