What is the job all about?
Knowledge comes from various sources, including the Internet. An effective librarian makes this knowledge accessible to students, teachers, specialists, and others. In large libraries, librarians often specialize in areas such as acquisitions, cataloging, bibliography, references, special collections, circulation, or administration. In smaller libraries, librarians handle all these aspects.
Today, information resources extend far beyond traditional printed materials. Electronic databases, the Internet, and CD-ROMs now join published materials and audiovisual resources in an increasingly crowded information market.
Can I go for it?
Librarians must be meticulous with details and skilled in organizing information. You should be a voracious reader and proficient in researching information online, especially through new apps and platforms such as YouTube, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. These platforms, along with various technical journals, are crucial for keeping up with the latest findings and trends.
A librarian must also stay informed about the latest literature in specific fields by studying book reviews, publisher notifications, and catalogs.
Good administrative skills are essential since managing a library involves supervising assistants who prepare data on borrowed books and pinpointing the location of books in the library, such as title, author, subject, and publisher. Understanding budgeting and accounts is also important.
Finally, courtesy, tact, patience, and excellent communication skills are necessary for this role.
Where to study?
A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science (B.Lib) is a one-year postgraduate course. You can also pursue a master’s program afterward.
In Goa:
Graduate / Postgraduate Course in Library Science & Information Systems at Goa University.
Outside Goa:
• Jawaharlal Nehru Library, University of Mumbai, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai (PhD also available)
• SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
• Shivaji University, Kolhapur
• University of Pune
• Annamalai University, Chennai
• Bangalore University
• IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
ONLINE PROGRAMS
https://collegevidya.com/university/ignou/online-mlis/
https://www.classcentral.com/classroom/youtube-library-science-102444.
Masters program offered by IGNOU.
Employment Avenues
The demand for professionally qualified librarians is growing across the country. Library science has evolved with computerized and electronic storage systems. Librarians are needed in schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, and research centers.
If you have a diploma in Library Science, you can find a job as an assistant. Non-traditional library careers are also available in corporate settings with large databases, where information is supplied to their own scientists or affiliated researchers.
Salary Expectations
Librarians can expect good salaries, especially in government organizations, thanks to the 7th Pay Commission.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024