There is a great demand for Library & Information Science seats in colleges, and jobs come on a platter Changing times: The very concept of a library has changed over the years and the job of the librarian too is not just confined to cataloguing and maintaining books.
The number of visitors to your neighbourhood library may have come down in recent years but a career in Library and Information Sciences has not lost its sheen yet. “Today we may see B.E. graduates sitting jobless, but not MLIS graduates. Thanks to the Information Technology (IT) revolution, career opportunities for the Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS)graduates have increased manifold in various sectors including science and technology,IT, management and academics,” said S.L. Sangam, Chairman, Department of Library and Information Science, Karnatak University, Dharwad (KUD).
The very concept of a library has changed over the years and it's not just about a room full of books anymore. The job of the librarian too is not just confined to cataloguing and maintaining books. Application of technology, computerisation, digitalisation and other developments has turned the job of a librarian into a highly professionalised and skilled work that demands qualified and well-trained professionals. No institute, organisation or company can ever imagine running without a library. The IT revolution has also created a demand for professionals
disseminating the information. A talented MSIL graduate can aspire for a high-profile job not inferior to any engineering or management professional.
MLIS graduates with a science background get gainful employment in science and technology institutions, national laboratories, National Aeronautics Limited (NAL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), ISRO, DRDO and other such institutes where they can join as Scientist B grade employees, equivalent to the assistant professor grade in any university. The job includes data analysis and dissemination of information.
Job opportunities have multiplied in the IT sector where reputed firms including Tata
Consultancy Service, Wipro, Infosys and Reliance recruit MLIS graduates. The management sector too offers good career opportunities. Moreover, firms in both the sectors going for head hunting helps the talented candidates get handsome pay packages coupled with other facilities.Candidates with basic knowledge, keen interest, hard-working nature and keeping abreast with the latest developments and happenings climb the ladder of success quickly, Prof. Sangam said.
Opportunities in academia too have increased mainly due to the growing investment in the education sector. While the State universities and colleges offer jobs in their libraries, private universities and higher education institutes coming up in the country have opened up new avenues. Even a candidate opting for research under the University Grant Commission's Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) gets a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 plus other allowances. A Ph.D.holder gets a minimum of Rs. 40,000 monthly salary in different sectors.
Private higher educational institutes appoint experienced persons with an excellent pay package.Heavy investment in the education sector in the Gulf countries too has created opportunities for Indian candidates. A good number of MLIS graduates from India work in many universities and other institutes in the Gulf, Prof. Sangam said.
Source: The Hindu, 25th July 2011
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