Career As Librarian

If you are somebody who is organized and like working with people and passionate about the value of knowledge and Information………. Then the job of librarian might be best for you.

“The Librarian is a person trained in library science and responsible for running of library services in public libraries, colleges, universities and schools.”

Previously this profession was known as “Librarianship”. At present, librarians are no longer engaged in managing bookshelves only, but they also look after for electronic information resources too.

Today a librarian is also entitled as “Information Manager”, “Cybarians” and “Information Scientists”.

In history, Ashurbanipal was the first individual who introduces librarianship as a profession. The Sumerians were the first clerks who are trained to keep records of accounts.

The advancement of technology in libraries has a major impact on the roles of the librarian. They keep track of newly advanced features, databases, etc.

The competition among students is increasing for various competitive exams. Students search books and study material for study from various sources so, the library is the very first source which strikes in the student’s mind. To become librarian you should have some skills like communication, how to organize things, knowledge of books, etc. You should also have the knowledge of electronic devices used as an information source.

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Scope As Librarian

At present, Librarians are highly demanded in both government and private sectors. They can also work as a research assistant to professors or in publishing companies in preparing bibliographies and catalogues. You can go for further studies in this field. The number of schools and colleges are going to open in the country, it offers great opportunity to fresh professionals.

Courses & Eligibility

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How to become a Librarian?

There are many universities and colleges in India who offers certificate, diploma, bachelor and master degree courses in this field. You can choose courses as per your preference.

To become a Librarian you should hold a bachelors degree or postgraduate degree in this field with a good knowledge of information science and good skills of customer handling.

Some of the courses which help you to start a career in this field are listed below:

Certificate & Diploma Courses:

• Certificate in Library Science
• Certificate in Library and Information Science
• Diploma in Library and Information Science
• Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking

Bachelor Courses:

• Bachelor in Library Science (B.Lib.)
• Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLI Sc.)

Master Courses:

• Master in Library Science
• Master in Library and Information Science

Doctoral Courses:

• PhD in Library and Information Science
• M.Phill in Library and Information Science

To pursue diploma and certificate courses, students must have passed 10+2 level education. For bachelor courses like B.Lib. (Bachelor of Library Science) & BLI Sc (Bachelor of Library Information Science), candidates should have a graduate level degree from any recognized university.

For admission in master courses, they must have passed graduation in Library Science or related field. For M.Phill and Ph.D courses, you should hold a master degree in Library and Information Science.

Admission

Are you seeking for admission in these courses?……. So here, let us tell you about the admission procedure and good colleges to pursue these courses.

For admissions firstly you should meet the eligibility criteria for the preferred course. Some colleges and institutions put an age limit for admissions. In India some universities offer admissions on the basis of merit list prepared on the basis of marks scored in the qualifying examination.

Best colleges to study these courses are listed here:

• University of Delhi, New Delhi
• Indira Gandhi National Open University
• Punjab University, Department of Library & Information Science, Chandigarh
• SRM University, SRMU, Haryana
• Savitribai Phule Pune University, SPPU, Pune
• Osmania University, OU, Hyderabad

Career & Jobs

“Librarians mostly find jobs in the education sector.”

A Librarian can be found in various places like Universities & Colleges, Court Houses, Public Schools, Law Offices, Museums, Local Library Buildings, etc. Being passionate about books and learning is a must need for a librarian.

In this field you can avail many career opportunities. You could switch to a senior job as a manager. You may take the responsibility of a specialist service or collection. You can go for a wide range of career prospects within library organizations. It is possible to plan your career effectively from starting point to top level management, depending on your interests and background.

Responsibilities:

• Organizing information resources in an accessible way.
• To deal with enquiries and assisting library users.
• Keeping up to date with the newly publications.
• Promoting the use of the library.
• Setting up activities such as reading groups.

After becoming librarians you can work in all types of places and with all types of people. With the degree of librarian you can become an information expert, knowledge manager and librarian.

Job Titles:

• Librarian
• Library Assistant
• Information Assistant
• Library Attendant
• Deputy Librarian
• Senior Information Analyst

You can be hired as university/college librarian and Head of Department of Library. You can also join corporate sectors in areas such as marketing, web content management and design, knowledge management, database development, reference tool development, information systems, publishing and Internet coordination.

Recruiters:

• Libraries
• Universities
• Colleges
• Corporate Training Centres
• Research Institutions
• Media Organizations
• Consulting Firms

Salary

“Librarian gets excellent salary packages in both government and private sectors.”

In India, a Librarian can get salary between Rs. 2 to 4 lacs per annum.

In the United States, a Librarian can expect an average salary of $48 k on annual basis.

Salaries will vary upon the working area, education, experience and many other factors. With holding a masters degree and good experience as a Librarian you can earn a very good salary package.

Books & Study Materials

Some best books which will help you through out your studies are mentioned below:

This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All (Hardcover) – Marilyn Johnson

Foundations of Library and Information Science – Richard E. Rubin

Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century: An Introduction – Kay Ann Cassell

Library and Information Center Management – Robert D. Stueart

Management Basics for Information Professionals – G. Edward Evans

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