Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Do you love books? Do you want to become a librarian? If yes, this article will be of help to you! This article about librarian courses available in India. This article consists of details such as – list of courses, course details (duration, eligibility criteria and syllabus), admission process, advanced courses and career prospects.
First of all, we will see who a librarian is and what are his/her tasks. In the second section of this article, you will find the list of librarian courses available in India and course details. The third section of this article is about advanced courses. The last part provides details about career prospects and job opportunities.
Who is a librarian?
Most of us think that library is just a place where books are collected and kept. But there’s more to it though! A library is a collection of sources of information and similar resources, made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing. A library may be a physical building, a virtual space, or both! A library’s collection can include sources of information such as – books, newspapers, maps, magazines, CDs, DVDs, E Books, Audiobooks, documents and databases. Most of us have been to libraries. Students have access to well stocked libraries at schools and colleges. Apart from that, there also exist many Government operated as well as private libraries in India.
A librarian is a person who works professionally in a library, providing access to information and sometimes social or technical programming. Librarians are trained professionals who are knowledgeable about library and information science.
In the past, libraries used to be stocked with books, documents, periodicals and other printed sources of information only. With the advancement of technology, new forms of information sources such as CDs, DVDs, E Books, audiobooks and databases have also managed to find their way to libraries! In short, libraries store both print as well as electronic information resources. The training given to librarians has changed over time. They are now trained to manage book shelves as well as electronic information resources too!
Tasks performed by librarians
Let us take a look at some of the important tasks performed by librarians –
- Cataloging– organizing information resources so that users can easily find what they need. This work involves gathering, assembling and indexing information resources.
- Administrative duties– managing staff, budget management, managing library supplies and stationery etc.
- Assisting patrons and answering their queries.
- Organizing community events and outreach programs.
- Promoting the use of library resources.
Librarian courses in India
In India, librarian courses are available in three main formats. They are –
- Certificate courses
- Diploma courses
- Bachelor’s Degree courses
| Certificate Courses: | Certificate in Library Science & Certificate in Library and Information Science |
| Diploma Courses: | Diploma in Library Science & Diploma in Library and Information Science |
| Bachelor’s Degree Courses: | Bachelor of Library Science & Bachelor of Library and Information Science |
| Advanced Courses: | Master of Library Science, Master of Library and Information Science, M.Phil. Library and Information Science & PhD in Library and Information Science |
1 Certificate courses
Well known certificate courses are –
- Certificate in Library Science (C.Lib.)
- Certificate in Library and Information Science (C.LISc.)
Eligibility Criteria: 10+2 passed in any stream.
2 Diploma courses
Well known Diploma courses are –
- Diploma in Library Science (D.Lib.)
- Diploma in Library and Information Science (D.LISc.)
Eligibility criteria: 10+2 passed in any stream.
3 Bachelor’s Degree courses
Well known Bachelor’s Degree courses are –
- Bachelor in Library Science (B.Lib.)
- Bachelor in Library and Information Science (B.LISc.)
Eligibility criteria: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized board or Diploma in Library Science or Diploma in Library and Information Science.
4 Advanced courses
After completing B.Lib. or B.LISc. from a recognized institute, graduates may go for advanced courses like Master of Library Science (M.Lib.) or Master of Library and Information Science (M.LISc.). After completing Master’s course, if you are interested in further studies, you may go for M.Phil. in Library and Information Science or PhD in Library and Information Science.
Admission process
Varies from one institute to another. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for admission at the desired institute. Reputed institutes follow merit based admission process.
Best Colleges
Some of the well known institutes offering librarian courses have been mentioned below –
- BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- University of Delhi
- Annamalai University
- Bilaspur University
- Osmania University
- Jivaji University
- BIT (Birla Institute of Technology)
- Bhavnagar University
Career prospects and job opportunities
Ample amount of job opportunities are available in front of librarians in India. They have access to both Government as well as private sector job opportunities. Educational institutions are the prime recruiters of librarians. They are recruited by schools, colleges as well as institutes indulged in research and higher education!
Also read:
M.Sc. Library and Information Science course
Distance education courses in India
Apart from educational institutes, librarians are also hired by Museums and galleries, law library, special library etc. A list of common recruiters has been provided below –
- Libraries (Government, private as well as community managed)
- Academic institutions (Schools, Colleges and Universities)
- Special Libraries
- Foreign Embassies
- News agencies
- Museums and Galleries
- Information centres
- Private organizations and companies
In the above mentioned work setups, librarians may don any of the following roles –
- Chief Librarian/Librarian
- Assistant Librarian
- Library Attendant
- Records Manager
- Junior Librarian
- Archivist
- Law Librarian
- Consultant
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.
Sir I m completed B.tech from.mechanical stream in 2017 ,I can do librarian caurse ,what is better for me?
Yes, you may pursue a relevant librarian course.
I want to certificate course in library science.I from Mumbai, passed 10+2 now.Suggest good govt institution for the same.
Sir my education qualification is BA in open University I am interested in library science pls suggestions me
I am rakesh kumar my qualifications m. Com from rajasthan university I am interested in librarian course please suggest me about librarian, I want to know about the course, eligibility and university details in rajasthan
Want to librarian course
Physics honours 70% hi
Best college or future k bara m btyia
Please send full detail,of librarian,course
After completion of b.li.sc can I immdiately get job . Am interested and I want it as my profession
Bagging a job depends upon factors like – vacancy, your performance in selection test and interview.
Hello sir,
I am priya from assam and i complete my graduation from Haflong,Assam. I am interested on librarian course please suggested me sir which course is good for my carrer in this librarian course please suggeste me sir….
What is the fee of this course? What percentage need to study this course? Please reply me sir….
Sir/ mam I want to know does this course have big future ?
You can get a stable Government or Private job after completing this course.
Dear sir
sir want to know about b.Lis as career option. sir i am confused what i do…b.ed or B.Lis. sir in 2017 i got 75.75% in graduation from geography hons.& also i have an one year diploma in computer oprater & programing assistance.can i do this course? sir is it beneficial for me doing this course. sir plz provide me entrance paper of b.Lis.last 3 or 4 year. sir plz tell. what was the last cutoff gone last year in marit base and also entrance base in delhi University? is it beneficial to do ragular or open as ignou also provide this course. is both have equal value? what is the fees of course in d.u. of blis? sir plz help me to find right & good career option.sir reply me…
thanks
Rukhsar
Hi I am Shatabdi, completed diploma in Information Technology want to pursue Bachelor in Library and Information Science (B.LISc.). I want to know about the course, eligibility and university details in Bangalore.
Hi… i’m Nansi gupta
At present, I am pursing regular course of BA(P)(2nd Year) in lakshmi Bai College(DU) and in future, i am interested to opt the course of B.Lib. (Bachelor of Library & Information Science) in one of the reputed institutes in Delhi.
That I want to know that there is anything available in study which i should do (or can do) whether it is related with computer or anything else, before or during my above said course, i.e. Bachelor of Library & Information Science
Please let me know soon as immediately as possible and i will be very grateful to you for the same
There’s no computer course requirement that I know of.
sir I want to do library course from ignou so what will be process to take admission for this course I have completed MA
sir,i completed B.A (arts) i am interested librarian course….plz suggest me
R/p Sir or mam.I completed sen sec in 2017by scoring 69% in arts stream. I want to do librarian course can I eligible for this course. If yes please tell me how I can apply in 2018.please reply. If possible please tell me government colleges for this course
librarian course ke date on callme
Sir I completed b pharma I interested librarian course
How librarians after completing their respective courses get appointed in government colleges or any other private institutions ? Please reply.
Usually selected via selection entrance test and interview.
I m intrested
sir i completed MBA(Mkt&finance) i am interested librarian course…please sagest me which
steps of this course and carer gudience
thanq
I want to take an admission in B.Library Course. I have done my Diploma in library science from kalpana chawala Govt.college for women ambala city. Please tell me any university or college who provide B.lib after D.lib.
I’m not knowledgeable about city-wise colleges.
How to take admission in b.library course in DU…
i want to take an admission from du in b.library course.i have done my graduation from jharkhand.what is the fee structure and selection process to take admission.please inform all the informations regarding this course.
Fees and admission process varies from one institute to another. It would be better to check official website of the University and find the particulars there.
I m interested to do a course of librarian. This article is very help full for unknown person who wants to appear this course.