Librarians are qualified and trained professional employed across various libraries who provides access to different sources of information in the form of books, newspapers, magazines, and electronic sources. At times Librarians also provide social and technical programming for the users. Librarians are trained individuals who are well-versed in areas like Library and Information Science.
Candidates aspiring to become a librarian must follow the steps to take up this profession. Aspirants can take up Library Science Courses which can be pursued across certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate or Postgraduate levels. In India, the most popular courses to pursue to become a Librarian are Bachelor in Library and Information Science and Bachelor of Library Science. The short-term courses one can aspire to take in India are either Certificate Course in Library Science or Diploma in Library and Information.
Table of Contents
1.1 Tasks performed by Librarian
2.1 Courses required to become a Librarian
Who is a Librarian?
A library is a collection of sources of information that is made accessible to a specific community for reference or borrowing. Librarians help in assisting clients in learning how to use information retrieval tools and recommending books and information sources relevant to patron inquiries. Librarians also help in maintaining collections and supervise junior librarians, clerks, and other library staff. Librarians ensure to be updated about Library science as technology advances and evolve with time
Tasks Performed by Librarians
- Cataloging is the process of arranging information resources so that users may locate what they need quickly. Gathering, organizing, and indexing information resources are all part of this job
- Administrative responsibilities include managing personnel, budgeting, and maintaining library supplies and stationery, among others.
- Guiding people and assisting them with their queries in relation to books, articles, etc
- Community activities and outreach programs are organized.
- Increasing the number of people who use library resources.
Qualifications of a Librarian
In order to become a Librarian candidates should be aware of the qualifications as listed below,
- Students need to mandatorily clear 12th grade and bachelor’s degrees to pursue courses offered to be a Librarian.
- B.Lib.I.Sc is the most popular course in India. Interested individuals are requested to prepare for entrance exams hosted by Aligarh University for B.Lib or BLISc entrance examination proctored by Calcutta University
- Ensure to certify yourself in degrees provided by reputed colleges or universities in India
- Post completing the degree in Library science, students can either lookout for job opportunities or pursue higher courses to get better packages
Librarian Courses
They are quite a few courses that can be pursued for a career as a Librarian. The duration is a span of 2 years. Some of them are as mentioned below:
| Course | Eligibility | Colleges with Library Science Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors in Library Science(B.Lib) | 10+2 + 3-year degree course & min 50% score in qualifying degree exam | |
| Bachelors in Library and Information Science(B.Lib.I.Sc.) | 10+2 + 3-year degree course & min 50% score in qualifying degree exam |
Alagappa Institute of Technology, |
| Masters in Library and Information Science(MlibSc) | Min 50% pass in 12th grade+Bachelors with 50-60% score(Preferred Bachelor of Library and Information science/Bachelor of Library Science) | |
| M.Phil in Library and Information Science | Masters degree in Science, Arts or Engineering |
Sri Krishnadevaraya University, |
| PhD Library & Information Science | Master's degree or M.Phil with min 55% score |
Skills Required to be a Librarian
There are a few key skills that are required to pursue the career of a librarian
| Collection Management | Communication | Interpersonal relationship |
| Analytical | Technology | Time Management |
| Troubleshooting | Customer Service | Documentation |
Librarian Jobs and Scope
| Designation | Description | Average Annual Salary(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief librarian | The job of librarians who prepare and preserve records is overseen by a Chief Librarian. | 3 L – 4 L |
| Library Assistant | At libraries, library assistants assist with clerical work. At the circulation desk, library aides check-in and out items, receive fine payments, shelve books when patrons return them, and assist in the processing of new material. Library assistants assist clients as required while also assisting in the orderly and effective operation of libraries. | 1;.5 L – 2 L |
| Library attendant | He is responsible for shelving books, preparing and pasting jobs, shifting volumes, and displaying journals, among other tasks as assigned by the Librarian from time to time. | 1 L – 2 L |
| Deputy librarians | This job includes assisting the Librarian in the planning of academic and professional work in the library, as well as contributing to the University's instructional responsibilities by giving bibliographic assistance in his area of specialty. | 3 L – 4 L |
| Public librarian | These librarians are employed at public libraries that are open to the general public. They assist customers in selecting the appropriate book to read. Public librarians can also help people with their research by providing artifacts and scholarly books. | 2 L – 3 L |
| School librarian | They are hired to teach schoolchildren about the value of libraries and how to utilize them properly. School librarians help kids understand what a library is, how to use it, how to choose the right book, how to maintain library standards, and how to issue and return books. | 2 L – 3 L |
| Teacher librarian | A teacher librarian is a librarian who is hired by academic institutions to administer their libraries. Students can get help with projects and research from these librarians. They work with students by helping them get the appropriate content and materials they want for their research or assignments | 2 L – 3 L |
| Law librarian | Provide research support, online legal research and teaching, operations management, and strategic planning. They strive to solve the information problems that law firms, corporations, schools, and government libraries confront. | 3 L – 4 L |
| Junior Librarian | They support and assist the head librarian in administering the library's work. | 1 L – 2 L |
Average Annual Salary
A librarian’s income is decided by the organization they work for. The pay scales are determined by their degree, qualification, and job experience. At present, the average salary offered to a Librarian in India is INR 21,800. It ranges from INR 11,300 to INR 33,300.
| Type of Organisation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government | INR 2.61 L |
| Private | INR 3.36 L |
Experience Wise Salary
With better experience and qualifications, the salaries of a librarian do increase. This shows an approximate salary range for librarians at different stages of their career
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | 2.47 L |
| Mid-Level | 2.88 L |
| Senior Level | 3.26 L |
Librarian Qualifications: FAQs
Ques. How to qualify to be a librarian?
Ans. It is mandatory to have a degree before pursuing to be a librarian. India at present offers undergraduate degrees as well as postgraduate degrees in Library Science. You can choose to go on with higher studies in M.Phil or Ph.D
Ques. Can I pursue Library Science Online?
Ans. There are plenty of certifications and diploma courses offered online to pursue Library Science
Ques. What is the duration of Library Science Courses?
Ans. It ranges from 6 months in terms of a certification to 3 years in case it is a UG degree. A PG degree meanwhile, can be completed in 2 years.
Ques. Is it a satisfying job to work as a Librarian?
Ans. If you enjoy documentation, using analytical skills and researching as well as organizing and have great interpersonal skills, then this is the job for you. Organizations that hire librarians ensure lucrative benefits.
Ques. Can Librarians be allowed to work as professors?
Ans. Librarians can be professors subject to clearing UGC NET or completing their Doctorate
Ques. What would the average fees be to pursue an occupation of a Librarian?
Ans. The course fees usually depend on the college or institution. There are online certifications available as well. But on an average, the fees charged range from 50000-100,000 INR.
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