There are many careers to consider when selecting what you want to do with your life. However, it is not guaranteed that everyone can get a job that aligns with their interests and passion. This is especially true with people who identify themselves as “Bibliophile,” which refers to their love of reading.
For Bibliophiles, pursuing a degree in Library Science can be a fantastic way to unite their love and knowledge of books and their passion for advancing their educational and professional careers as librarians. The libraries of today should not be confused with the libraries of yesterday. Library science is an emerging field that is constantly innovating and adapting to changes in technology and the way we disseminate information. With new technologies on the rise, it’s good to be aware of your potential career path so you can feel confident of where you go next.
In this article, learn all about what you can do with a career in library science. The jobs and career opportunities available to individuals with a library science degree. It also discusses some of the skills required for library science and the best universities to pursue a degree in library science. If you’re planning a career in this field, then keep reading!
What is Library Science?
Library science (or Library and Information Science) is a multidisciplinary field that involves the academic study of libraries and the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, education, information technology; and the collection, preservation, organization, and dissemination of information resources.
Library Science Courses
A wide variety of courses, from classroom programs to online certificate programs to Doctoral studies, are available for library science students. Each course offers unique advantages and opportunities to students, so let’s discuss each of them-
- Certificate Programs: Many certificate programs in Library science courses are offered through Online and Offline mediums. Course duration for certification programs can range from a few hours to 2 years. Online Library Science programs are very trendy as students can quickly learn new skills with minimal cost and at their own
- Diploma and PG Diploma in Library Science: Students can pursue a diploma in Library Science course after class 12th, or a PG diploma after graduation. They also provide a wide variety of specializations to choose from. Job positions open after diploma are- Librarian, photo librarian, assistant librarian, data librarian, health science librarian in universities, etc. A diploma helps students get a job early and is well suited for career-oriented
- Bachelor in Library Science: Students looking to earn a full-time degree opt for a bachelor in library science or Lib course. Course length is 3 years, like any other course, with both general and specialization forms. Admissions are made through
national as well as state-level entrance exams. It’s a good option for students who want to be well-grounded in this field through rigorous classroom programs and make a
long-term career.
- Master in Library Science: After graduation, students can opt for a master in a library science course to specialize in this field. Course duration is 1 to 2 years. It’s a must-do course for students looking forward to a Ph.D. in Library Science. Admissions are made through entrance exams like- Pondicherry University MLIS Entrance exam, Osmania University MLIS Entrance exam, Mangalore University MLIS Entrance exam, Shivaji University MLIS Entrance exam, Punjab University MLIS Entrance exams,
- Doctorate in Library Science: Many opportunities are available for students who want to pursue a D. and go for research and teaching opportunities. Job opportunities are also available in various universities and Institutions for students with advanced qualifications.
Admission for Courses
For certificate courses, students need not worry about admission; students just need to fill out a form, pay the fees, and get enrolled for the course. Some institutes have a screening process based on class 12th marks for offline certificate programs and diplomas.
For Bachelor’s or B.Lib. course, students need to clear entrance exams and rank in the merit lists, and also they need to secure a minimum of 45% marks. Some universities, like MGU, etc., take admissions based on class 12th board exam scores. Popular entrance exams for UG Library Science courses include AMU CET, University of Calcutta BLIS entrance exam, etc.
Admission for the Master’s course has already been described above.
Admission for Doctorate courses is also made through entrance exams. After completing Master’s and bachelor’s programs in Library, sciences students can apply for a Ph.D. To get a research fellowship, students need to clear CBSE UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET, etc.
Best Colleges for Library Science
Many good colleges are spread all over India for Library Sciences, especially in cities. Students can easily find good B.Lib colleges in Bhopal, Delhi, Pune, etc. Some of the best colleges for Library Sciences are as follows-
- Isabella Thoburn Degree College, in
- Aligarh Muslim University, in
● MGU or Mansarovar Global University in Bhopal.
- Jadavpur University, in
- Panjab University, in
- Kalinga University, in
- Lovely Professional University, in
- Royal Global University, in
- ICFAI University, in West
- Rabindranath Tagore University, in
- ITM University, in
Jobs and Career opportunities in Library science
There has been a good demand for Library and Information Science students almost every year. Students can find opportunities in the government and private sectors, as Library sciences have become an integral part of government and private institutions.
Every year various government institutions post vacancies requiring a B.Lib degree, and various private universities and companies also recruit Library science students for different job roles.
Some of the most common job positions for students are-
- Librarian- The main job is organizing, managing, maintaining, and issuing books in the Library and operations
- Assistant Librarian- Usually, students begin their career as assistant Librarians who help manage and organize the operations in the
- Deputy Librarian- It’s a post above the Librarian, where students get additional responsibilities to manage the
- Assistant Professor- Students after D. join as assistant professors in Universities.
- Publication and Documentation Officer- Students help institutions maintain, manage, document, and publish information
- Research Analyst-They monitor the progress of various research projects and coordinate the flow of information between the different departments. They also perform a wide variety of tests and studies and publish
- Many more- various other opportunities are Library Manager, Library Consultant, Law Librarian,
Skills required for Library Science
Having or developing specific skills can help students develop a career in Library Sciences, like- Research Skills, Communication Skills, organizing skills, Attention to Detail, Decision-making Skills, Computer Skills, Soft skills, etc.