Librarian Courses in India

Do you love books? Do you want to become a librarian? If yes, this article will be of help to you! This article about librarian courses available in India. This article consists of details such as – list of courses, course details (duration, eligibility criteria and syllabus), admission process, advanced courses and career prospects.

Librarian courses and careers in India

First of all, we will see who a librarian is and what are his/her tasks. In the second section of this article, you will find the list of librarian courses available in India and course details. The third section of this article is about advanced courses. The last part provides details about career prospects and job opportunities.

 

Who is a librarian?

Most of us think that library is just a place where books are collected and kept. But there’s more to it though!

 

A library is a collection of sources of information and similar resources, made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing. A library may be a physical building, a virtual space, or both! A library’s collection can include sources of information such as – books, newspapers, maps, magazines, CDs, DVDs, E Books, Audiobooks, documents and databases.

 

Most of us have been to libraries. Students have access to well stocked libraries at schools and colleges. Apart from that, there also exist many Government operated as well as private libraries in India.

 

A librarian is a person who works professionally in a library, providing access to information and sometimes social or technical programming. Librarians are trained professionals who are knowledgeable about library and information science.

 

In the past, libraries used to be stocked with books, documents, periodicals and other printed sources of information only. With the advancement of technology, new forms of information sources such as CDs, DVDs, E Books, audiobooks and databases have also managed to find their way to libraries!

 

In short, libraries store both print as well as electronic information resources. The training given to librarians has changed over time. They are now trained to manage book shelves as well as electronic information resources too!

 

Tasks performed by librarians

Let us take a look at some of the important tasks performed by librarians –

  • Cataloging– organizing information resources so that users can easily find what they need. This work involves gathering, assembling and indexing information resources.
  • Administrative duties– managing staff, budget management, managing library supplies and stationery etc.
  • Assisting patrons and answering their queries.
  • Organizing community events and outreach programs.
  • Promoting the use of library resources.

Librarian courses in India

In India, librarian courses are available in three main formats. They are –

  1. Certificate courses
  2. Diploma courses
  3. Bachelor’s Degree courses
Librarian Courses: Overview
Certificate Courses: Certificate in Library Science & Certificate in Library and Information Science
Diploma Courses: Diploma in Library Science & Diploma in Library and Information Science
Bachelor’s Degree Courses: Bachelor of Library Science & Bachelor of Library and Information Science
Advanced Courses: Master of Library Science, Master of Library and Information Science, M.Phil. Library and Information Science & PhD in Library and Information Science

1 Certificate courses

Well known certificate courses are –

  • Certificate in Library Science (C.Lib.)
  • Certificate in Library and Information Science (C.LISc.)

 

Eligibility Criteria: 10+2 passed in any stream.

2 Diploma courses

Well known Diploma courses are –

  • Diploma in Library Science (D.Lib.)
  • Diploma in Library and Information Science (D.LISc.)

 

Eligibility criteria: 10+2 passed in any stream.

3 Bachelor’s Degree courses

Well known Bachelor’s Degree courses are –

  • Bachelor in Library Science (B.Lib.)
  • Bachelor in Library and Information Science (B.LISc.)

 

Eligibility criteria: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized board or Diploma in Library Science or Diploma in Library and Information Science.

4 Advanced courses

After completing B.Lib. or B.LISc. from a recognized institute, graduates may go for advanced courses like Master of Library Science (M.Lib.) or Master of Library and Information Science (M.LISc.).

 

After completing Master’s course, if you are interested in further studies, you may go for M.Phil. in Library and Information Science or PhD in Library and Information Science.

 

Admission process

Varies from one institute to another. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for admission at the desired institute. Reputed institutes follow merit based admission process.

 

Best Colleges

Some of the well known institutes offering librarian courses have been mentioned below –

  • BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • University of Delhi
  • Annamalai University
  • Bilaspur University
  • Osmania University
  • Jivaji University
  • BIT (Birla Institute of Technology)
  • Bhavnagar University

Career prospects and job opportunities

Ample amount of job opportunities are available in front of librarians in India. They have access to both Government as well as private sector job opportunities. Educational institutions are the prime recruiters of librarians. They are recruited by schools, colleges as well as institutes indulged in research and higher education!

 

Also read:

Best careers in India

Courses after 12th

B.L.I.Sc. course

M.L.I.Sc. course

M.Sc. Library and Information Science course

Online courses in India

Distance education courses in India

 

Apart from educational institutes, librarians are also hired by Museums and galleries, law library, special library etc. A list of common recruiters has been provided below –

  • Libraries (Government, private as well as community managed)
  • Academic institutions (Schools, Colleges and Universities)
  • Special Libraries
  • Foreign Embassies
  • News agencies
  • Museums and Galleries
  • Information centres
  • Private organizations and companies

 

In the above mentioned work setups, librarians may don any of the following roles –

  • Chief Librarian/Librarian
  • Assistant Librarian
  • Library Attendant
  • Records Manager
  • Junior Librarian
  • Archivist
  • Law Librarian
  • Consultant
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