LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN KERALA: QUANTITY Vs

QUALITY : A CASE STUDY OF RAJAGIRI SCHOOL OF LIBRARY

& INFORMATION SCIENCEDr. M. D. Baby, Prof. & Head

& Ms. Sreekala Sudeep, Lecturer

Introduction

• Changes in educational scenario in Kerala • Technological revolution • Changes in the face mark of libraries• Revision of course curriculum• Modification is essential in the present

scenario

LIS education in Kerala : an overview

Kerala University: 1937

LIS Department – 1961

M.L.I.Sc, M.Phil & Ph.D

University of Calicut : 1968

LIS Department – 1985

M.L.I.Sc, M.Phil & Ph.D

M G University LIS Department – 1995

B.L.I.Sc, M. L.I.Sc. (self-financing)

CUSAT Ph.D

Integrated course Restructured the course curriculum giving

more emphasis to IT and pruning many of the conventional papers.

Not included hands-on-training which is a must for LIS students.

Syllabus revision: change in nomenclature and bifurcation of existing papers.

Lack of thrust in the area of IT. Inefficiency of students to cope with the

present ICT enabled working conditions of library and information centres.

LIS education: Quantity Vs Quality

LIS education: Quantity Vs Quality

(contd…)Importance of practical training or internship while learning • Enables the students to develop necessary skills

required to operate various library activities. • Confidence to handle things individually• Enables the students to adopt himself to varied

working situations and conditions.• Better understanding of the subject than any best

tutor can provide• Confidence to face interview or discussion• Working under able librarians and documentation

officers boosts the morale of the students.• Ensures thorough theoretical knowledge with sound

practical skills.

LIS at RajagiriConsidering the present situation Rajagiri designed

the one year BLISc program by changing the pattern of teaching & learning process.

by giving more emphasis to IT and continuous professional training

to enhance professional competency

Vision & Mission

VisionTo become a center par excellence of learning,

unique in experience, value based approach and pioneering in efforts, for enriching and fulfilling LIFE.

MissionTo facilitate comprehensive and integrated

development of individuals, to effectively function as social beings, imbued with righteousness and courage of conviction

Established in 2005

Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi university

Offering one year Bachelors degree program in Library & Information Science (B.L.I.Sc.) with two semesters

In a nutshell …

Department objectives

To train and equip students in Knowledge Management .

To develop skills in ICT enabled library management.

Infuse in the learners the ability to function dynamically

Value additionAcademic

Initiation program for fresbers – ten days orientation in well established libraries.

Weekly training program (Every Friday & Saturday) (Academic, Public and Special Libraries) Two months hands-on-training (Leading libraries in

& outside Kerala) Study visits & Study tour (in & outside Kerala) Guest Faculty for specialized areas IT training program (DBMS, spread sheet, Library

softwares, web designing, power point presentations etc.)

Value addition (contd…)

.Enrichment programs (Seminars,

Communicative English, Personality development, Psychology Lab, etc) to motivate students and to improve their self-confidence and ability

Placement Training ProgramComputerized library with good collection of

books and journals and computer lab with Internet facility.

Social

Yoga & Mentoring Program

Social sensitization program – Rural camp

Gyan DeepthiLibrary & Information Science students’ Association

(GYAN DEEPTHI) conducts regular programmes like Quiz competitions, mock interviews, debates,

documentation work, exhibition and several other initiatives to help students get exposure, attitude and experience in their professional field. Every Tuesday

afternoon is set apart for GYAN DEEPTHI activities.

Initiatives by GYANDEEPTHI• Documentation works on “Self financing

education through the eyes of media”, “Waste management”, “Chikun Guniya” etc.

• Conducted various college level competitions as part of Book week celebrations.

• Poster exhibition conducted in connection with 114th Birth anniversary of S.R. Ranganathan,the Father of Library Science

• Exhibition conducted in the campus as part of International Women’s day celebrations.

Faculty Development Programs

• Compulsory training for teachers.

• Have to attend and publish papers at least in one National & International conference in a year.

• Annual academic planning

• Meetings with experts in the field.

Success story….• Value added programs mold the students as

professional librarians by completion of the course.

• Improve job performance and helps the students to acquire skill and expertise to confidently interact with specialists in the field of LIS.

• Training programs give the students an opportunity to see and experience the actual working conditions of libraries.

• Hundred percent placement.• Feed back received from employers were

worth appreciating and encouraging.

Future PlansTo restructure B.L.I.Sc course by adding more

ICT oriented papers & practical training.

To start Masters program and Research Centre in the college.

Conclusion Present library need staff with skills in

Knowledge management Information Technology Subject knowledge and above all communication

Need changes in LIS curriculum Continuing education programs and

specialized training programs must be included.

LIS students have to acquire and cultivate knowledge and skills for communicating the information to a variety of users in efficient and effective manners.

T HAN K YOU