Career in Arts: Book Mark for Others!

The Lowdown

As information experts, librarians find, collect and organise information, and implement systems that make information easy to access. Librarians have a variety of roles, depending on where they work. A librarian has to ensure that a person gets the relevant information in the minimum time with the least effort. The modern librarian may also devise ways to draw more people into trying out new material, thus becoming a knowledge manager.

Clockwork

• 9.30am: Reach office
• 10am: Meet library staff
• 11am: Check email and updates
• 11.30am: Respond to any queries
• 1pm: Lunch
• 1.30pm: Go over list of requisitions
• 4.30pm: Inspect the library
• 5.30pm: Check the day's transactions
• 6.30pm: Leave for home

The Payoff

An entry level professional can get anything from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh a year. With experience one can expect something from Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2.4 lakh per annum. At the senior level one can expect to get anything from Rs 3 lakh or more a year. In government organisations the salary will depend on the grade and scale

Skills/Traits

• Must be a team player
• Have command over information technology
• Good managerial skills
• Ability to analyse readers' needs
• A knack for listening
• Knowledge of major topics

Getting There

Graduates from any stream can take a bachelor's degree and couple it up with a master's degree in library science. One year long diploma and certificate courses are also available

Institutes

• National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resource, New Delhi
• Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre, New Delhi
• Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi
• Banaras Hindu University
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

Pros and Cons

• Career progression depends on performance
• Opportunity to meet people
• Must be updated with the latest releases

Source: HT Horizons

Date: 28th April 2011