On National Librarian’s Day, the writer highlights the various opportunities available for those who choose to pursue library and information science
Dr. Sandesh B. Dessai
Library and information science is also called the science of knowledge. The primary purpose in this field is to collect information, process it as per the users’ needs and requirements, store it for present and future generations, relocate it, and disseminate it to the end users.
Qualifications required
There are a lot of opportunities available for students who complete their bachelor’s or master’s in library and information science these include opportunities to work as librarians, information officers, directors of knowledge centres, digital librarians, database officers, information analysts, etc. Digital transformation has further enhanced this scope.
In Goa, we have a full-time two-year integrated master’s in library and information science program at Goa University with an intake capacity of 30 students. To enrol one must pass the annual entrance test conducted in April/May. Besides this, IGNOU also provides correspondence courses with its regional centre at Porvorim, and the study centre at Damodar College, Margao. Beyond Goa, one can also get admission to different universities in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Some universities in these states have reservations for Goan students in this program. The bachelor’s course is of two semesters and the master’s is of four semesters. Both can be completed within a two year period. Students willing to continue their education may apply for a Ph.D. in library science at various universities.
Beyond these qualifications, one needs to possess certain skills like the knowledge of software and hardware used in the library, proficiency in computer use, analysis and consolidation of information, reading habits, skills in Artificial Intelligence, and organisation of different library sections.
Areas of job opportunities
Educational institutes: The library and information science program is vital to effectively work with all educational institutes. Today, due to the implementation of the New Education Policy, the role of a librarian has increased. Library professionals required at the university, colleges, and school level with different nomenclature (librarian, deputy librarian, assistant librarian, etc.) has become a necessity. While working in these institutions, one has to work to inculcate the reading habit among students and provide good books to upgrade their mental ability and knowledge. Librarians also need to educate students and teachers on how to make maximum use of the resources (online or offline) available in that library.
Government organisations: One can work in different government sectors such as GPSC, UPSC, state assembly, Indian Parliament, different courts, national library, state government public libraries, archive, etc. The roles differ as per the services these organisations render.
Private sector: There are a lot of options available in different corporate sectors/companies, information communication technology fields, banks and insurance companies as information officer or director also. Library professionals must have knowledge and skills in different ICT (information and computer technology) applications, including AI tools, to apply for these positions.
Digital or e-library: Library professionals who are good at ICT, can work in digital libraries as experts. As we all know, today’s generation mostly depends on e-resources for daily information and study purposes. A professional can work on e-books, e-journals, databases, and multimedia resources. He can also compile, sort out, and effectively disseminate online information to the end users without wasting their precious time.
Research and teaching: If one is highly proficient in their area, they may get an opportunity to teach at the university/college level. One has to clear either NET or SET or complete a Ph.D. One can also become a research guide/supervisor at the Ph.D. level to produce effective and efficient projects for the growth and development of one’s country. One can also become the director or coordinator of IQAC (International Quality Assurance Cell) at the institute.
Foreign countries: If one is brilliant and skilled in the e-library system, databases, or information retrieval and dissemination, then there are a lot of openings in foreign countries like the U.S.A., U.K., Canada, Australia, Germany, etc.
The writer is university librarian at Goa University, Bambolim
