It is no wonder that every student must have visited a Library at some time in his or her life. We often relate a Library with a storehouse of books and other information resources that are ultimately the first step towards learning and gaining of knowledge especially in the academic front. However, it is little known that today the library has not limited to just a reading space, instead, it itself can lead us to become a successful professional.
The science of Library and Information is a multidisciplinary area that focuses on collection, services, management, dissemination of information resources. Today, any graduate can study the library and information science as professional subject. Courses like Bachelors and Masters in Library and Information Science requiring just one year of study individually, are being offered in a number of Universities (Central, State, Deemed as well as Private) across the country. Furthermore, many Universities also have door opened for interested students who wish to become active researchers in this subject. The Department of Library and Information Science of the University of Delhi is one such institution. Infact, it is the most prestigious one being set by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, who is renowned as the Father of Library Science in India.
The Opportunities in the field of Library and Information Science are unlimited and there are a number of role specific jobs as per the skill and abilities of the professionals such as Attendants, Assistants, Information Officers, Information Scientists, Institutional Library Incharges, Teaching faculties etc. The subject broadly offers teaching as well as non- teaching jobs. A library and information science professional with a limited knowledge can choose to be multi tasking staff (Level-1 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission), whereas, a highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable one can reach upto the level of a Librarian (Level-14 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission). Additionally, the subject also provides opportunities to be a Faculty of the subject just like any other conventional subject. The Teaching faculty in the field of Library and Information Science enjoys all the entitlements and benefits available to all other faculty members across different academic institutions spread across the country as well as abroad.
We all are aware of the important roles played by a library in our lives as a knowledge hub, learning and community support centres. However, it is the time when people must look at the plethora of career opportunities that are available with Library and Information Science by choosing it as a professional subject.
Dr. Kimi
Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science
University of Delhi