The library profession in India is vibrant and highly sought after vocation by young people. A librarian's job description is quite voluminous. Ordering and cataloging of books as per the need of the readers, re-shelving the books, making the library infotech savy, arranging book fairs periodically and catering to the need of the readers by keeping them abreast of the latest publications available in the market forms a part of the librarian's job profile.
The library is seen as a focal point to student success in several areas like reading, information technology, information literacy, etc.
There are different types of libraries like academic libraries, public libraries and special libraries to cater to the societal needs and its various stakeholders. Dr. S. R. Ranganattan is considered to be the father of the library movement in India and his birth anniversary on August 12 is celebrated as 'Librarians Day'. The pioneering role played by Dr. Ranganattan for the growth of the library movement in India is acknowledged in a big way on this day.
The National Knowledge Commission has taken note of the library movement and considered them as gateways to knowledge that have the potential to bridge the gap between the information poor and the information rich by ensuring that people from all sectors of society and economic backgrounds have easy access to the knowledge they seek.
The library and information sector is committed to supporting the creation of a knowledge society by providing equitable, high quality, cost effective access to information and knowledge, resources and service to meet the information, recreational and cultural needs of the community.
The eligibility required to enter the portals of library are important for any youngster wanting to join the vocation.One can pursue a certificate course in library and information science (approved by the Government of Goa and the Directorate of Education) after passing 12th std in any stream. The course starts in April and is of four months duration. It is offered by Fr. Agnel College, Pilar.
A bachelors in Library and Information Science is a one year course and requires graduation in any stream. Likewise, the masters programme is also of one year duration. Both these courses are conducted at Goa University, Taleigao.
Besides this, one can pursue these courses at India Gandhi National Open University's study center at Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao. One can also pursue a Master's of Philosophy and even attain a doctorate in this discipline. A librarian can get placement in higher secondaries and college libraries.
The Government of Goa has decided to appoint librarians on contract basis from this academic year in all secondary schools which will go long way in boosting the library movement and ‘reading habit’ among the younger generation at a very early stage. A librarian needs to possess certain skills like preservation of print and e-resources, innovation ideas and vision, time management, customer orientation, etc which can go a long way in boosting the confidence of the readers and drive them towards the libraries.
The e-granthalaya scheme for instance is a step in promoting information technology in the library movement. The I.C.T revolution (Information, Communication and Technology) has now started to yield fruit and more vigilant steps in this direction can create revolutionary changes in the library movement which has surely come of age in today’s 21st century. Traditional libraries have given way to digital libraries and conventional learning has been replaced by e-learning.
The Government of Goa recognizing the growth of the library movement in the state has instituted two awards since 2010-11 to promote quality work in this discipline. One award, which consist of Rs 50,000 cash along with a memento and certificate is given to the Best Library, while the other award is given to the Best Librarian (Rs 25,000 cash along with a memento and a certificate).
The Gomant Vidhya Niketan Library in Margao, the Saraswati Mandir Library in Panaji and Bookworm Library, Taleigao have all been recipients of the Best Library Award in the past, while Rajendra Naik (of Government Library, Curchorem), Milind Mahmal (of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar), Dr. M. Tapaswi (of the NIO library, Dona Paula) and Carlos Fernandes (curator, Krishnadas Shama Central Library Patto, Panjim) have been the proud recipients of the Best Librarian Award.
Goa boasts of state of the art libraries in the Krishnadas Shama State Central Library at Patto-Panjim and the Dr. F. L. Gomes District Library at Navelim in South Goa besides a number of public municipal and village libraries in every nook and corner of the state. A career in Library and Information Science is thus worth pursuing.
