What is the job all about?
Knowledge comes from various sources – especially now with the Internet. An effective Librarian makes knowledge available to students teachers,specialists etc. In large libraries, Librarians often specialize in a single area, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, references, special collections, circulars or administration. In smaller libraries librarians look after all the above aspects.
To-day information resources go far beyond the traditional printed word. Electronic databases, the Internet and CD-ROMs join published material and audio-visual resources in an increasingly crowded information market.
Can I go for it?
Librarians must be meticulous in detail with skill in organized facts. You need to be voracious readers and have a flair for checking information from the Internet and various Technical Journals. You need to be computer savvy.
A Librarian needs to study book-reviews,publishers notifications and catalogues, so as to be informed of the latest literature on specific fields he / she is dealing with.
Librarians must also be good in administration as their responsibility includes the management of the Library, supervise assistants who prepare the DATA of the books that have been borrowed. They also need to be able to pinpoint where the Books could be found in the Library i.e Title of Book, Author, Subject, Publisher etc. They also need to understand budgeting and accounts.
Finally courtesy / tact / patience and excellent communication skills are very necessary.
Where to study?
Library and Information science (B.Lib) is a one Post Graduation Course. One can also go for the Masters Program thereafter.
In Goa:
Graduate / Post Graduate Course in Library Science & Information Syst at Goa University.
Outside Goa:
- Jawaharlal Nehru Library – University of Mumbai, Santa Cruz East, Mumbai You can also do your PhD here besides your masters.
- SNDT women’s University Mumbai
- Shivaji University Kholapur
- University of Pune
- Annamalai University Chennai
- Bangalore University
- You can also do this program through IGNOU
Employment Avenues
The need for professionally qualified Librarians is growing throughout the country. Library science has assumed a new look with computerised and electronic storage systems. Librarians are needed in Schools / College / Universities / Public Libraries and Research centres.
If you have a Diploma in Library Science you will find a Job as an Assistant.
Non-traditional Library Careers are available in corporates that have a huge Data Base and supply information to their own scientist or those who are linked to them.
Monies
Good money especially in Governmental Organisations thanks to the 7th Pay Commission.
Please do not be satisfied with just acquiring a Degree/Diploma – try and enhance your CV by doing online learning programs (with a certificate) of programs relevant to your choice of career. Your chances of employment will be much better than just a plain degree/diploma.
Please check this website under other details for places you can learn online. Also try and develop your confidence by doing a public speaking training program with people like Toast Masters International.
For government jobs: please check : http://www.employment-newspaper.com/