What is Library and Information Science (LIS)

Overview of Library and Information Science in Perspective of India

Library and Information Science (LIS) is an academic interdisciplinary field that focuses on the management, organization, and dissemination of information and resources. It includes the study of libraries, archives, and information systems, as well as the principles and practices associated with information retrieval, preservation, and user services.

Professionals in this field work to ensure that information is accessible, organized, and preserved effectively for users.

Library and information science (LIS) is a field that involves the study and practice of how information is collected, organized, accessed, preserved, regulated information, and disseminated both in physical and digital forms.

Library Science, also known as Library Studies or Librarianship, is a field that focuses on the management and operation of libraries. The first American school for library science was founded by Melvil Dewey at Columbia University in 1887.

Historically, library science has included archival science, covering the organization of information resources, user interaction with classification systems and technology, and libraries’ ethics and legal status.

Here are some key aspects of Library and Information Science (LIS): This discipline combines elements of information technology, management, and communication.

Category	Subcategory	Description
Library Science	Collection Development	The process of selecting and acquiring resources like books, journals, manuscripts, and multimedia, that meet the needs of the library’s users.
	Cataloging and Classification	Organizing materials systematically to ensure easy retrieval of library resources. This includes using various classification systems like Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Colon Classification (CC), and Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
	Library Management	The administration and management of library resources, staff, and services.
	User Services	To assist library users, including reference services, information literacy training, user education, etc.
Information Science	Information Retrieval	Information Retrieval (IR) is a field of study that focuses on obtaining relevant information from large collections of data, typically stored in digital formats.
	Information Organization	Information Organization is the systematic arrangement of information to facilitate efficient access, retrieval, and use, which includes metadata creation and indexing.
	Information Technology	The application of technology to store, retrieve, and manage information. This includes digital libraries, databases, and information systems.
	Information Behavior	Information Behavior refers to the ways in which individuals seek, use, and interact with information.

Key Areas of Study and Research:

• Library and Information Science (LIS) is a broad and dynamic field with numerous areas of study and research. For Example: Digital Libraries, Archival Science, Knowledge Management, & Information Policy

Trends and Innovations 

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Implementing AI and ML to improve information retrieval, data analysis, and user services.
• Open Access and Digital Preservation: Promoting open access to scholarly information and preserving digital content for future generations.
• Community Engagement: Enhancing library services to better serve diverse communities and address their unique information needs.

Development of Library and Information Science (LIS) Studies in India

Library and Information Science (LIS) as an academic discipline has a long history in India, with several key milestones in its development.

1. Early Beginnings

• 1911: The first formal training program in librarianship in India was initiated by W.A. Borden under the sponsorship of the  Maharaja of Baroda Maharaja Siyajirao Gaekwad III. Borden, an American librarian, laid the foundation for organized library education in India.
• 1915: The Punjab University was the second university that started a course in library science under the leadership of A. D. Dickinson, a librarian from the United States.

2. Academic Programs

• 1937: The University of Madras established the first university-level diploma course in library science, led by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, who is considered the father of library science in India. Ranganathan developed the Colon Classification system and the Five Laws of Library Science, which are foundational to the discipline.
• 1948: The University of Delhi introduced a postgraduate diploma course in library science, which later evolved into a full-fledged Master’s program (M.Lib.Sc.).
• 1950s: Several universities, including Banaras Hindu University and Aligarh Muslim University, started diploma and degree courses in library science.

3. Expansion and Modernization

• 1960s and 1970s: The growth of library science education continued with more universities and institutions offering diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in LIS. The focus expanded to include information science and technology aspects.
• 1980s and 1990s: The advent of information technology led to significant changes in LIS education, with curricula incorporating digital libraries, information management, and information retrieval systems.

4. Current Landscape

• Advanced Degrees and Research: Many universities in India now offer advanced degrees such as 4-year Bachelor of Library and Information Science Honours with Research and Ph.D. programs in LIS. 
• Research in LIS covers a wide range of topics, including digital libraries, knowledge management, information behavior, and information policy.
• Distance Education: Institutions like Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and the University of Delhi-School of Open Learning offer B.L.I.Sc. and M.L.I.Sc. programs through distance education, making LIS education accessible to broader students.

5. Professional Associations

• Indian Library Association (ILA): Established in 1933, the ILA plays a crucial role in promoting the development of libraries and library education in India.
• Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC): Founded by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan in 1962, DRTC focuses on advanced training and research in documentation and information science.

Historical Development of Library and Information Science (LIS) in the World.

Here is a table detailing the historical development of Library and Information Science (LIS) courses, notable places, and key years worldwide:

Year	Place	Event/Development
1887	Columbia University, New York, USA	Melvil Dewey establishes the first library school, the School of Library Economy.
1890	Pratt Institute, New York, USA	Second library school in the United States established.
1897	New York State Library School, Albany, USA	Library school established at the New York State Library.
1900	University of Wisconsin, USA	Establishment of the Department of Library Science.
1905	University of Illinois, USA	Library School established, later becoming the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS).
1924	University of Michigan, USA	Library Science program established.
1928	University of Chicago, USA	Graduate Library School founded, emphasizing research in library science.
1930	University of Toronto, Canada	First library science program in Canada established.

Courses in the Field of Library and Information Science (LIS)

The field of Library and Information Science (LIS) offers a variety of academic and professional courses designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in libraries, information centers, archives, and related fields. 

Here are the common types of courses available in LIS:

1. Certificate and Diploma Courses

• Certificate in Library & Information Science (CLIS): A 6-month short-term course providing foundational knowledge and skills in library operations.
• Diploma in Library & Information Science (DLS): A more comprehensive program than a certificate, focusing on basic library and information Science. It is a 1-year course, you can do it after Intermediate.

2. Undergraduate Courses

• Bachelor of Library & Information Science (B.L.I.Sc.): An undergraduate degree covering fundamental principles of library science, cataloging, classification, library administration, information science,  information technology, and digital libraries.

3. Postgraduate Courses

• Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.Sc.): A postgraduate degree covering both library science and information science, including advanced topics in digital libraries, information systems, library management, information organization, and information retrieval.
•  and information policy.

4. Advanced and Specialized Programs

• Postgraduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN): Focuses on the use of technology in library operations, including automation and networking.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Library and Information Science: The highest academic degree in the field, focusing on original research and contribution to the body of knowledge in LIS.

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Library and Information Science (LIS) is an advanced research degree aimed at preparing individuals for academic, research, and leadership roles in the field of library and information science.

What is a Library Professional

Library professionals, often called librarians or information specialists work to bridge the gap between people, information, and technology. 

Their work involves a wide range of responsibilities and roles, depending on the type of library and the specific needs of its patrons/Users. Library professionals and information professionals work to:

• Collection Development and Management of Libraries.
• To manage and organize information resources.
• To facilitate access to information.
• To support users in a variety of information-seeking activities.
• Reference and Information Services
• To develop learning habits at the school library level.
• Digital and Electronic Resource Management.

What are the software and technical skills one can learn in library and information science

Here’s a table summarizing the software and technical skills one can learn in Library and Information Science:

Skill Area	Examples	Skills Learned
Integrated Library Systems (ILS) / Library Management Systems (LMS)	Koha, SOUL, Libsys, E Granthalaya, Alma, Sierra, Evergreen	Cataloging, circulation management, acquisitions, serial management, user management
Metadata Creation and Management	MarcEdit, Dublin Core Metadata Generator, Oxygen XML Editor	Metadata standards (e.g., MARC21, Dublin Core), authority control, XML, RDF
Digital Libraries and Institutional Repositories	DSpace, EPrints, Greenstone	Repository management, digital collection development, open access, digital preservation
Content Management Systems (CMS)	WordPress, Drupal, Joomla	Website development, content management, information architecture
Database Management	MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server	Database design, SQL querying, data normalization, indexing
Information Retrieval Systems	Elasticsearch, Solr, Apache Lucene	Search engine optimization (SEO), indexing, query formulation
Data Analysis and Visualization	Excel, SPSS, R, Python (pandas, matplotlib), Tableau, Power BI	Data cleaning and preparation, statistical analysis, data visualization, reporting
Digital Preservation	Archivematica, Preservica, LOCKSS	Digital preservation strategies, file format migration, archival standards (e.g., OAIS)
Programming and Scripting	Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL	Scripting for automation, web development, customizing and extending library software
User Experience (UX) and Interface Design	Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma	Usability testing, interface design, user research, and personas
Citation Management and Bibliometrics	EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley, Citavi	Reference management, citation analysis, bibliometric indicators
Digital Humanities and Data Curation	Omeka, Voyant Tools, Gephi	Digital project management, data curation, text analysis, and visualization
Emerging Technologies	TensorFlow, IBM Watson, Blockchain platforms	Machine learning and AI applications, blockchain for secure information management, VR/AR for information access
Project Management and Collaboration Tools	Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project	Project planning and execution, team collaboration, time and resource management

This table provides an overview of the key software and technical skills relevant to Library and Information Science, along with examples of tools used in each skill area.

Notable institutes offering library and information science courses in India

Several notable institutions in India offer courses in Library and Information Science (LIS), ranging from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. Here are some of the prominent ones:

1. University of Delhi

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

3. University of Calcutta

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

4. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

5. Panjab University

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

6. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

• Programs Offered: Master’s in Library and Information Science
• Department: Centre for Library and Information Management Studies

7. University of Madras

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

8. IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Library and Information Science
• Department: School of Social Sciences

9. Jadavpur University

• Programs Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Department of Library and Information Science

10. Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore

• Programs Offered: Master’s and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
• Department: Documentation Research and Training Centre

These institutions are known for their comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong research focus, making them ideal for students aspiring to build a career in library and information science.

What Kind of Jobs in the field of Library and Information Science

The field of Library and Information Science (LIS) offers a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. Here are some common job titles and roles you can pursue with a degree in LIS:

In India, there are several government job opportunities available in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). These positions are found in educational institutions, public libraries, research organizations, and government departments. Here are some common roles you can pursue:

LIS Jobs in Academic Institutions: Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Professional Assistant, Semi-Professional Assistant, Library Assistant, & Library Attendant. 

LIS Jobs in Educational Bodies and Councils: KVS Librarian, NVS Librarian, EMRS Librarian, DSSSB Librarian, & State Level School Librarian etc.

Public Libraries: Public Librarian & District Library Officer, Assistant Library & Information Officer, Library & Information Assistant Etc.

Research Organizations: Scientific/Technical Librarian, Documentation Officer, Library Officer, Library Assistant.

Government Departments and Agencies: Library and Information Officer, & Archivist.

Special Libraries: Librarian, Law Librarian, & Medical Librarian.

Cultural Institutions: Museum Librarian, National Library of India (Librarian, Assistant Librarian, and Cataloger)

Digital and Information Management: Digital Archivist &  Information Analyst. 

Pursuing a government job in Library and Information science can lead to a stable and rewarding career with opportunities for growth and professional development.

What is the difference between Libraries and Library and information science?

Here is a table that outlines the key differences between Libraries and Library and Information Science (LIS)

Aspect	Libraries	Library and Information Science (LIS)
Definition	Physical or digital spaces housing collections of books and other resources for public use.	Academic discipline that studies the principles and practices of library operation and information management.
Primary Focus	Providing access to books, periodicals, and other informational resources to users.	Understanding, managing, and facilitating the organization, retrieval, and dissemination of information.
Function	Lending materials, offering reference services, hosting community events, and providing study spaces.	Researching, teaching, and applying theories and practices related to information storage, retrieval, and dissemination.
Key Activities	Cataloging, circulation, reference services, archiving, and community outreach.	Information organization, information retrieval, information technology, user behavior studies, and digital libraries.
Work Environment	Public libraries, academic libraries, special libraries (e.g., corporate, medical), and digital libraries.	Universities, research institutions, corporate settings, and as consultants or information specialists.
Education Requirements	Typically requires a degree in Library Science (BLS, MLS, or MLIS) for professional roles.	Involves academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, focusing on LIS principles and practices.
Key Tools and Resources	Catalog systems, databases, physical and digital collections, and reference materials.	Theories of information science, information systems, data analytics, user studies, and digital humanities tools.
Outcome	Directly serves the public or specific user communities by providing access to resources.	Advances the field through research, developing new methods for information management, and educating future professionals.
Examples of Roles	Librarians, library assistants, archivists, and library technicians.	Information scientists, data managers, academic researchers, and LIS professors.
Professional Organizations	American Library Association (ALA), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).	Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), Special Libraries Association (SLA).