Modernizing Library Training in India: Solving the Job Crisis, Poor Quality, And the Digital Divide
Keywords:
Library and Information Science (LIS), Library Education, Curriculum Modernization, Digital Libraries, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Employability, Quality Assurance, Accreditation, Library Automation, Higher Education, Digital DivideAbstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study of contemporary Library and Information Science (LIS) training systems in India, detailing an industry at a critical structural crossroads. While information environments are moving quickly from paper-based records to digital, cloud-integrated setups, the academic institutions tasked with training the next generation of library professionals have failed to adapt to this hybrid reality. This structural disconnect has created a severe paradox: Indian library schools are continuously expanding student enrollment without verifying actual job availability, resulting in an acute oversupply of underemployed graduates. Concurrently, those entering the workforce frequently lack the modern technical competencies and high-level management skills required by modern employers. By thoroughly evaluating core systemic issues—specifically the total lack of a national quality watchdog, widespread professional underemployment, and the profound digital divide separating urban institutions from rural schools—this paper establishes a practical, five-step policy framework to revitalize library education and ensure its long-term societal relevance in a digitized global economy.
References
Agrawal, S. P. (1997). Library and information studies in India. In R. G. Prasher (Ed.), Library and information science: Parameters and perspectives (Vol. 1). Concept Publishing Company.
Aharony, N. (2011). Librarians' attitudes toward mobile services. Aslib Proceedings, 63(6), 714–731. https://doi.org/10.1108/00012531111187386
Aina, L. O. (2005). Towards improving library and information science education in Africa. The Electronic Library, 23(4), 487–493. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470510611591
Asundi, A. Y., & Karisiddappa, C. R. (2007). Library and information science education in India: International perspectives with special reference to developing countries. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 27(2), 5–11. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.27.2.127
Bawden, D., & Robinson, L. (2012). Introduction to information science. Journal of Information Science, 38(1), 3–4. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551511434385
Chu, H. (2015). Research methods in library and information science: A content analysis. Library & Information Science Research, 37(1), 36–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2014.09.001
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development. (1965). Review Committee Report on Library Science in Indian Universities. Government of India.
Indian Statistical Institute. (n.d.). Academic programs at the Bangalore Centre. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from http://www.isibang.ac.in/~adean/#LI
Karisiddappa, C. R. (2004). Library and information science education in India: Trends and issues. SRELS Journal of Information Management, 41(2), 123–136.
Kaur, T. (2007). The importance of accreditation and assessment of LIS programs in Asia Pacific region. In Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Conference on Library and Information Education and Practice (A-LIEP 2007). Taipei, Taiwan.
Kavulya, J. M. (2007). Training of library and information science professionals in Kenya. Library Review, 56(3), 208–223. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710736060
Kumar, S., Jain, K. B., & Shah, L. (2013). Education and training for medical librarianship in India. In IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2013 (pp. 1–7). http://library.ifla.org/194/1/197-kumar-en.pdf
Lynch, B. P. (2008). Library education: Its past, its present, its future. Library Trends, 56(4), 931–953. https://doi.org/10.1353/lib.0.0004
Malhan, I. V. (2011). Challenges and problems of library and information education in India: An emerging knowledge society and the developing nations of Asia. Library Philosophy and Practice. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/670
National Knowledge Commission. (2007). Working group on libraries (Report No. 3). Government of India. http://www.knowledgecommission.gov.in/focus/libraries.asp
Ocholla, D. N. (2008). The current status and challenges of collaboration in library and information science education and training in Africa. New Library World, 109(9/10), 466–479. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800810904634
Partridge, H., Lee, J., & Munro, C. (2010). Becoming "Librarian 2.0": The skills, knowledge and attributes required by library professionals in a Web 2.0 world. Library Trends, 59(1–2), 315–335. https://doi.org/10.1353/lib.2010.0039
Ranganathan, S. R. (1965). Review Committee Report on Library Science in Indian Universities. University Grants Commission.
Satija, M. P. (1999). Doctoral research in library and information science in India: Some observations and comments. Libri, 49(4), 236–242. https://doi.org/10.1515/libr.1999.49.4.236
Singh, S. P., & Malik, A. (2014). Library and information science education in India: Issues and trends. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 34(1), 8–14.
University Grants Commission. (2001). UGC model curriculum: Library and information science. University Grants Commission.
Virkus, S. (2007). Collaboration in library and information science education. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 48(4), 256–267.
Downloads
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
