19, Aug 2011

Guess who is more likely to be unemployed a Bachelor of Engineering or a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS). It is more likely to be the former. Surprised? Read on.

It may seem ironical that while libraries are less patronized than before an MLIS degree continues to be a worthwhile qualification. The IT revolution has led to a manifold increase in career opportunities for MLIS graduates in sectors such as science and technology, IT, management, and academics.
The idea of library itself has radically changed over the past 20 years. It is no more just hard copies of books, journals, and newspaper arranged in orderly shelves. Today every library worth its name also has a vast array of digitized media. The cataloguing methods too have changed greatly in the shift to digitized records. The librarian’s job is not just confined to cataloguing and maintaining books. Application of technology, computerization, digitalization, and other developments demands that the librarian be a qualified and well-trained professional. Every institute, organization, or company needs a library. The IT revolution has also created a demand for talented library information graduates, professionals who can aspire to a high-profile job not unlike the most coveted in the market.

Affordable Course Fee
While the prospects of a good job are encouraging enough, the cost of the course too is relatively affordable. The two-year course costs less than Rs. 20,000. Even the highest fee fixed for the general category is Rs. 5,000. Today the pay scale for beginners, based on the candidate’s merit, could be anywhere between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000. And with a few years’ experience, the monthly salary for some could cross even Rs. 1 lakh. Though it has taken the form of a professional course, admission for MLIS is open to graduates of any discipline. Earlier, most applicants were B.Sc. graduates, but today more and more BCA and BBA students are opting for this course, thanks to the demand in the IT and management sector.

MLIS graduates with a science background get gainful employment in science and technology institutions, national laboratories, National Aeronautics Limited (NAL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and other such institutes where they can join as B grade scientists, 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. With both sectors vying for the best talents the pay packages are only bound to become bigger and other facilities/perks more attractive. Hard-working candidates with a keen interest in information and in staying abreast with the latest developments and happenings can easily chart a successful career path.

With growing investment in the education sector, opportunities in academia too have increased. While the State universities and colleges offer jobs in their libraries, so do the increasing number of emerging (as well as established) private universities and higher education institutes. 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.

Heavy investment in the education sector in the Gulf countries too has created opportunities. A good number of MLIS graduates from India work in many universities and other institutes in the Gulf.

High Demand
The KUD received 150 applications for the 30 seats for its MLIS course, although the test fee was Rs. 500 per candidate. The total intake was 20 but it was increased this year. The latest trend is the entry of women into what was a male-dominated area. The present male-female student ratio is 50:50.