Career and Job Opportunities in Library and Information Science

             

History of Libraries and Librarians has been witnessing diversities since the evolution of writing. People have been writing and recording their thoughts and ideas on different platforms. To keep a check of these documents, professionals were appointed. These professionals were later termed as librarians and the work of Librarianship then came into existence. The history of Librarianship in India can be witnessed with the presence of a large number of artifacts related to Indian mythology and kings and their kingship. Libraries at that time were mostly privately open for selective readers and writers. In modern eras, there are many types of libraries like -Public Library, Private Library, academic library and many more. The work of a librarian, however, has remained the same, that is, to keep a track of the books and arrange them systematically and in order as prescribed by the concerned authorities of the respective library.

The work profile of a LIS professional, today has gained recognition with a proper degree and training. So, if you like being around books and have an interest in reading and maintaining books, then this profession is meant just for you. Grab all the opportunities to become the best LIS Professional and Librarian of all times. To help you with this we have assembled relevant and necessary details that you must know if you are thinking of becoming a LIS Professionals.

Eligibility to become Librarian

For those who want to pursue this career path, they must know the process of how to become a LIS professional and follow the steps designated for the same. Aspirants should know the different courses offered to become a LIS professional. These courses include:

Ø Certificate in Library Science (C.Lib.)/Library and Information Science (C.L.I.Sc.)

Ø Diploma in Library Science (D.Lib.)/Library and Information Science (D.L.I.Sc.)

Ø Bachelor in Library Science (B.Lib.)/Library and Information Science (B.L. I.Sc.)

Ø Master of Library Science (M.Lib.)/Library and Information Science (M.L.I.Sc.).

Apart from this, a candidate can also pursue M.Phil. /Ph.D. and Research Work in these courses. Candidates must know the subjects they must study to become a LIS professional and the eligibility criteria prescribed by the UGC offering courses related to the designated field.

Subject Combination –Any Stream in 10+2

Exam – As per the institutional guidelines and courses requirement.

Eligibility –

A candidate who wants to pursue a Certificate Course must have a passing marksheet of 10+2 from any recognized institution/ university with at least 55% total aggregate.

Candidates planning for Diploma Course should have passed 10+2 with at least 55% total percentage. The certificate must be valid and issued from recognized school or college.

For a Bachelors course, candidates must have cleared their graduation with qualifying marks from an affiliated or accredited institution.

Those who want to do Masters Course must produce their Bachelors mark sheet at the time of admission. Candidates must remember that a minimum of 55% total aggregate in Bachelor course is compulsory for taking admission in Masters Course.

Aspirants opting for M.Phil/Ph.D. courses need to qualify entrance exam defined by the concerned institutions. Along with the mark sheet of the entrance exam, candidates will have to produce the passing score card of Masters Course with a minimum aggregate of 55% to take admission in the Ph.D. course.

 

Employment Opportunities for LIS Professionals

To become a LIS professional is a tough task, as the candidates will have to remember and track the books, reference materials, records and other related files and folders of the organization they are serving. Employment opportunities for LIS professional explain the different sectors and fields where the Librarians are hired. These sectors hire Librarians to get their libraries well organized and arranged the way they want. Let’s check out the list of these sectors and fields that hire LIS professionals.

Ø Educational Institutions

Ø Governmental Organizations

Ø Law Firms

Ø Corporate Houses

Ø Media Houses

Ø Hospitals

Ø Research Organizations

Ø Private Firms

Ø Foreign Embassies

Ø Museums and Galleries

Ø Public Sectors

Ø And many more………….

Top Recruiting Companies for LIS Professional:

Librarians are those professionals who work in a literary surrounding and are hired by organizations that possess a library of books, reference materials, audio, video, journals, etc. for the purpose of research, knowledge or reference. These organizations are present in different sectors including educational institutions, medical firms, governmental organizations, media houses, corporate houses, etc.

Mentioned below is the list of some these to recruiting companies for librarians for the reference of interested aspirants.

Ø All India Radio

Ø Door Darshan

Ø Lawyers Associations

Ø St. Xavier's Collegiate School

Ø La Martini ere for Girls School

Ø The National Library of India

Ø Sinha Library

Ø Public Library

Ø Research Institutes

Ø Multinational Companies

Ø Public Sectors

Ø Special Library

 

LIS Professionals Pay Package

LIS Profession is such a profession which offers Salaries according to the individual's qualifications and experience. The other factors which matter are size and the nature of the hiring institutions. In India, a LIS professional can get a salary between Rs 3 to 5 Lacs per annum.

In the United States a Librarian can expect an average salary of $ 48 K - $55 K on annual basis.

Salaries will vary upon the working area, education, experience and many other factors.

Conclusion-

Today, the whole world is facing the crisis of COVID-19 global pandemic. This crisis has better explained the importance of having an employment that can never go out of trend. LIS Professionals have forever been a part of our civilizations, in a modern role it has diversified and has become an employable degree. This process of change is continuous and will keep going on in the future too. This is the right time, for anyone to opt for Library Science as a career.

Praveen K Thakre ,Dept of LIS
Career College, Bhopal