Bachelor of Library Science: A Bibliophile’s Dream Career

  • Updated on  
  • Dec 2, 2022
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Bachelor of Library Science

With the evolution of communication technologies, the management of information has also evolved at a blistering pace. Libraries earlier were concerned only with book collection but now they perform a variety of functions such as classification and cataloguing, information search and retrieval, indexing, etc. The integration of computers has brought quality information right to our fingertips.

A Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc.) is a program that fulfils these essential requirements of institutions looking for qualified individuals who understand what it takes to work at a library. If you are a bibliophile who loves to organise books, a bachelor’s degree in Library Science is the perfect course for you. In this blog, we will explore the essential aspects of a Bachelor of Library Science and the immense career scope that the field of Library Science encompasses.

Course Highlights

Course LevelUndergraduate
Full-formBachelor of Library and Information Science
Duration1 year
EligibilityPassed Bachelor’s degree course with 50% marks
Admission ProcessDirect Admission, Entrance Test.
Course FeeINR 2,000 to INR 50,000. 
Average SalaryINR 1.2 LPA – INR 6 LPA
Job PositionsLaw Librarian, Deputy Librarian, Library Assistant, etc.
Top Recruiting AreasGovernment offices, government libraries, private sectors, educational institutes, etc.
This Blog Includes:
  1. Course Highlights
  2. Overview of Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc.)
  3. Admission process
    1. Eligibility Criteria
  4. B. Lib.Sc. – Entrance Test
  5. Syllabus/Course Curriculum of B.Lib.Sc.
  6. Top Colleges for B.Lib.Sc.
  7. Skills Required
  8. Job Profiles
  9. Future Scope of B.Lib.Sc.
  10. FAQs

Overview of Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc.)

A Bachelor of Library Science is a specialised librarian course offered as a one-year postgraduate degree in India which introduces an individual to the field of Library and Information Sciences, relevant principles and regulatory framework. In modern library management, information and multimedia technology have assumed integral roles and this course aims to incorporate them as well.

Altogether, it teaches an individual about the critical concepts of Library and Information Management along with new-age Library Science technologies. Candidates looking to study abroad, however, can pursue a Bachelor of Library Science as an undergraduate degree. Moreover, there has also been an increase in postgraduate and PhD courses in Library Science offered around the world providing students with wide-ranging options to choose from. 

Admission process

Each college or university has its own admissions procedure. But the procedure is generally quite similar. Students must complete an application and wait for the college to announce the cut-off before proceeding. They will be able to accept admission to the college of their choice if they pass the cut-off. There might also be an entrance exam in some circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

Each college or university has a unique set of requirements that applicants must meet in order to be considered. The following are the key requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Library and Information Science [B.Lib.I.Sc] programme:

  • The candidate must graduate from an accredited university in any discipline.
  • Candidates must have earned between 50-55% in their graduation.
  • Additionally, the applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the specific college where they wish to enrol.
  • Some universities and colleges hold their own entrance exams, which applicants must pass.

B. Lib.Sc. – Entrance Test

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc) is not a degree programme that many colleges offer. There are very few colleges that require an entrance exam.

The following are a few of the well-liked entrance exams for candidates for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc) degree:

Exam NameExam Date
DUETJune 2023
JNUEE7-10 Dec 2022
IPU CET 18th-25th June 2023 (online mode)2nd-3rd July 2023 (offline mode)
OUCET July 2023
BITSATJuly 2023
BHU PET1st week of July 2023
CUETFrom July 15, 2023

Syllabus/Course Curriculum of B.Lib.Sc.

The syllabus of a Bachelor of Library Science course encompasses various topics that essentially focus on effective library management. Various study tools like practical experience, audio-video learning, and computer and IT training are referred by professors teaching this program. During the course, a variety of electives are also offered in order to diversify the content. Furthermore, industry experience also forms part of the teaching experience. Some topics included in this course are mentioned below:

Library and SocietyComputer Application in LICs
Information Sources and ServicesPatriarchy and Gender Inequalities
Library Cataloguing (Theory)Library Cataloguing (Practical)
Library Classification (Theory)Library Classification (Practical)

Note: This is only an indicative list. For an elaborate explanation of some of the above-mentioned subjects, visit this source.

Top Colleges for B.Lib.Sc.

The popular course known as “Bachelor of Library and Information Science” (B.Lib.I.Sc) is taught in many colleges throughout India. The following list includes some of India’s top colleges for bachelor’s degrees in library and information science (B.Lib.I.Sc):

College NameCityAverage Total Fee
Isabella Thoburn Degree CollegeLucknowINR 50,000
Aligarh Muslim UniversityAligarhINR 61,700
Jadavpur UniversityKolkataINR 2,500
Panjab UniversityPanjabINR 8,100
Kalinga UniversityJaipurINR 56,000
Lovely Professional UniversityJalandharINR 60,000
Royal Global UniversityGuwahatiINR 1,14,800
ICFAI UniversityWest TripuraINR 72,000
Rabindranath Tagore UniversityBhopalINR 15,000
ITM UniversityGwaliorINR 75,000

Skills Required

Graduates of the Bachelor of Library Science course need to supplement their course education with industry-centred as well as communication and software skills. Further, the ability to deal with situations in a time-bound manner is highly valued. Familiarity with digital types of equipment is also desirable. Such skills help in building a great profile and career advancement.

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  • Research Skills
  • Internet Familiarity
  • Communication Skills
  • Library Management Software Proficiency
  • Attention to Detail
  • Decision-making Skills
  • Adaptive
  • Computer Skills

Also Read: Computer Courses List

Job Profiles

There is a huge demand for learned professionals who can work in a library handling diverse roles and responsibilities. Skills of library management are not only applicable in a library but in a host of other industries as well.

For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in library and information science [B.Lib.I.Sc], some of the most popular job profiles include librarian, assistant librarian, deputy librarian, technical writer, assistant professor, publication and documentation officer, etc.

Job Profile Average Annual Salary
LibrarianINR 2.55 LPA
Library ManagerINR 4 LPA
Library ConsultantINR 4.5 LPA.
Law LibrarianINR 3 LPA
Assistant ProfessorINR 6 LPA

Future Scope of B.Lib.Sc.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in library and information science [B.Lib.I.Sc] have a variety of career options. Let’s examine each of the most well-liked future scenarios individually:

  • Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in library and information science [B.Lib.I.Sc] can find employment in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, the candidates might hold a position as a librarian in a school.
  • After earning a Bachelor of Library and Information Science [B.Lib.I.Sc] degree, candidates may also sit for civil service examinations.
  • Numerous private businesses also hire graduates of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc) programme. Students who work for such businesses may earn a handsome salary.
  • Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in library and information science [B.Lib.I.Sc] may go on to graduate school. They might then finish their master’s programme in library science.

FAQs

What is the qualification of Library Science?

Students may apply for the Bachelor of Library Science programme if they have completed the 10+2 or equivalent examination in any subject with at least 50% for the general category and 45% for the SC/ST/OBC category.

Is B lib a bachelor’s degree?

A Bachelor of Library Science degree is granted after one year of study, divided into two semesters, according to the Indian educational system. Different institutions may have different semester lengths. You can shorten the title of the degree to B. Lib., B. Lib.Sc., or B.L.I.

What is the scope of Library Science?

Well-qualified candidates in the field can look for employment at academic institutions, news broadcasting organizations, public and government libraries, schools, colleges, and universities, among many other places. You can also submit an application to museums, documentation centres, archives, and galleries.

We hope this article touched on all the essential elements regarding a Bachelor of Library Science. Niche subjects like Library Science are undertaken by motivated individuals who have a career graph in their minds. Let Leverage Edu experts help you find an ideal university for a bachelor’s degree program in Library Science and guide you throughout the application process to kickstart a great career in this evolving field.