LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN KERALA: QUANTITY Vs QUALITY : A CASE STUDY OF RAJAGIRI SCHOOL OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE D r. 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: 1937LIS Department – 1961 M.L.I.Sc, M.Phil & Ph.D University of Calicut : 1968LIS Department – 1985 M.L.I.Sc, M.Phil & Ph.D M G UniversityLIS Department – 1995 B.L.I.Sc, M. L.I.Sc. (self-financing) CUSATPh.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 Rajagiri  Considering 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 Vision To become a center par excellence of learning, unique in experience, value based approach and pioneering in efforts, for enriching and fulfilling LIFE. Mission To 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 addition Academic  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 Program  Computerized library with good collection of books and journals and computer lab with Internet facility. Social  Yoga & Mentoring Program  Social sensitization program – Rural camp

Gyan Deepthi Library & 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 114 th 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 Plans  To 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