Libraries are a vital part of our life now. With the growth in educational institutions in our country, the need for libraries is growing too. Because of this reason, Librarianship has now attained the status of a separate discipline. A Librarian’s work generally involves of the classification, shelving, sorting and indexing of publications. There are a number of courses offered in Library science by Indian colleges.

Courses and Entrance Exams

Diploma: Library and Information Technology

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who have completed their 10+2 class are qualified to join the diploma course. An admission test may be conducted by some institutes, but the selection of the students is based generally on the marks scored by them in their final examination.

Postgraduate Courses : Master of Library and Information Science

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who are applying for this course must have a bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from an acknowledged university or college. The selection of the students is based on their merit. They can apply directly to the institute of their preference.

Entrance Exam

In order to be a qualified librarian the candidates need to appear for the UGC NET/SET/ SLET exam. Only then will they be eligible to receive the benefits under the 6th Pay Commission.

Career Prospects

The employment prospects for students of library and information technology are very vast. Those candidates who are experienced in the field can find jobs in areas like Government and Public libraries and Universities in addition to other professional institutions, broadcasting and news agencies etc. Jobs can also be secured in private libraries and special libraries that are meant for particular categories of people. They can also find employment in documentation centers, archives, information and museums etc. Library technicians can also work as cataloguers’, counselors and researchers etc. Librarianship is a profession that pays well. The salary of the librarian will change according to his/her individual qualifications and familiarity in the subject in addition to the size and nature of the institute that employs them. Those librarians who are employed in galleries, government museum etc have more salaries than compared to those in Universities and colleges. Librarians who are employed in institutes of research and documentation centers also have very good salaries.