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Jagpreet
03 October, 2024
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Have you ever cherished the smell of an old book? A generation that reads from Kindle may never know the joy of a reader who treasures books. It’s like a fine wine; the older it gets, the better! To be able to work in a library is perhaps one of the most exciting opportunities. Imagine exploring the multiple intriguing book genres and managing and organising them. Libraries are still a paradise for those who find solace in reading. It is a place where imagination and creativity take flight. Perhaps this is why the digital age has failed to replicate the very essence of a library.
An online BLIS is a gateway to navigate through the digital age. If you are interested in working in libraries, research centres, or fields that require managing and sharing knowledge, this is a perfect choice. The finest aspect? These days, librarians are tech-savvy, managing digital archives and online databases and even utilising artificial intelligence. It’s no longer just about dingy bookshelves!
If you are still wondering about the significance of a BLIS degree, here is a quick insight. The job market for library and information science professionals is expected to grow by 9% by 2026 . BLIS graduates can find employment in various fields, such as education, research, business, and government. Over the next several years, it is anticipated that there may be 50,000 job openings in libraries and information centres.
Now that you have scrolled, we are sure you want to know more about this degree. So, let us begin. A BLIS degree stands for a Bachelor of Library and Information Science. The degree focuses on the following:
Management of the digital databases.
Using technology to find information.
Cataloguing Books.
Management of the library.
Archiving valuable materials for the future.
If you enjoy working in libraries, archives, or research centres, consider pursuing an online BLIS degree. This is also an appropriate choice for those interested in information management. You can choose to work in :
Libraries
Academic Institutions
Government archives
Corporate settings
The most popular job roles include:
Librarians
Information officers
Archivists
An online BLIS degree can open multiple avenues for you. Here are some of the most popular career pathways you can consider.
A library information assistant is responsible for managing a library while assisting visitors. Visitors often need help finding the required information. Libraries stock several books, research papers, and other materials, making it difficult to organise. Therefore, a library information assistant is critical to complete management.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting the users in locating books and resources
Management of library material.
Organising books and resources.
Providing information about library services.
Helping users with digital uses.
Managing issues and return of books.
In a nutshell, it is like an AI assistant who helps you fish for answers to your questions.
Top Recruiters:
Here are the top recruiters. The salary range mentioned is subject to change. Figures may vary according to the recruiter’s location, qualifications, job role, and education.
| Recruiter | Salary Range |
| National Library of India | INR 0.2 LPA to INR 4.5 LPA |
| Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | INR 3 LPA to INR 4.5 LPA |
| Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) | INR 1 Lakh to INR 1.3 LPA |
An information analyst is largely responsible for analysing and managing large data sets. They help organisations make decisions across various sectors. They have access to a huge data set, which helps them derive meaningful insight from that data and then put it into decision-making. The role of information analysts is significant in organising the data so that decision-making is easy. This enables strategic planning and a more solution-orientated approach.
If you think this is all an information assistant’s value, here is what you should know. In a world where data management is highly significant, integrity becomes very important. Therefore, it is necessary to have a trustworthy individual look after this management. An information analyst coordinates with the IT departments to ensure that the databases and the information system align with the organisational needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Organising and managing the library data.
Assisting users with research and information.
Analysis of the new material.
Supervision of technology integration.
Training users on how to utilise library resources.
Top Recruiters:
Here are the top recruiters. The salary range mentioned is subject to change. Figures may vary according to the recruiter’s location, qualifications, job role and education.
| Recruiter | Salary Range |
| Public Libraries | INR 1.8 LPA to INR 10.5 LPA |
| Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) | INR 10.8 LPA to INR 13.2 LPA . |
| Corporate Libraries | INR 0.2 LPA to INR 5.0 LPA |
The digital wave has revolutionised knowledge and the way we access it. This has helped transform over 90 percent of traditional libraries. Which now has a new digital face that has enabled a more seamless interaction between users and digital libraries. Information knows no boundaries. A digital librarian is, therefore, responsible for the complete management of digital collections, including electronic resources.
A digital librarian holds expertise in digital preservation, metadata management, and information retrieval systems. In today’s time, these digital libraries have genuinely transformed our access to knowledge and the resources it comes from. If you think digitalisation is equivalent to convenience, well, it is not all hunky dory! Even a digital library needs efficient management. There has been a massive shift from physical paperbacks to digital books or e-books. You might find possibly everything in the digital libraries.
However, even libraries’ digital spaces undergo multiple changes, and there is always an increasing need to maintain them more accurately.
Key Responsibilities:
Management of the digital collection.
Data accessibility and data retrieval.
Technical support to the users.
Preserving the digital content.
Top Recruiters:
Here are the top recruiters. The salary range mentioned is subject to change. Figures may vary according to the recruiter’s location, qualifications, job role, and education.
| Recruiter | Salary Range |
| Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) | INR 3.0 LPA to INR 4.0 LPA . |
| Infosys | INR 2.4 LPA to INR 3 LPA . |
| Accenture | INR 2.4 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
Research plays a key role in developing and integrating new technologies. It is by far one of the most reputed fields. Research is also ranked among the highest-paying career prospects. The simple logic is the effort that goes into it and the valuable insights it provides. Every possible invention and discovery is the result of comprehensive and well-structured research. In the language of this blog, every library resource and book results from detailed research that transforms them into valuable resources.
A researcher in this field of library science focuses on the study and analysis of the trends and advancements in the following areas:
Information management
Digital Archiving
Library Information
They contribute significantly to the academic institutional research. This is mostly made possible by publishing online papers. Additionally, they also collaborate with other professionals to improve their library services.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist users with research materials.
Selecting and recommending research materials
Management of the digital archives.
Classifying the books, journals, and digital content.
Top Recruiters:
Here are the top recruiters. The salary range mentioned is subject to change. Figures may vary according to the recruiter’s location, qualifications, job role, and education.
| Recruiter | Salary Range |
| Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) | INR 4.2 LPA to INR 6 LPA |
| Delhi Public Libraries | INR 3.0 LPA to INR 7.4 LPA |
| Infosys | INR 9 LPA to INR 11.5 LPA |
Top Online BLIS Colleges in India
Here are the top colleges in India that offer an online BLIS degree. The fee structure mentioned may vary depending on the time of admission. Some colleges also provide BLIS in the distance mode, as discussed below.
| College Name | Mode | Fee Structure |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Online | INR 4,500/- Per Semester |
| Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) | Online | INR 5,475 per year |
| Lovely Professional University | Distance | INR 11,000 programme fee if paid annually. |
| Nalanda Open University | Not Given |
Here are the top skills you must acquire while pursuing an online BLIS.
Effective Communication: Learn to communicate more clearly to help users find resources.
Tech-friendly: To maintain an extensive digital database, you must learn to be efficient with technology.
Critical thinking and problem-solving: Learn to develop a more solution-orientated approach to keep up with the fast-changing trends in this field.
Data Management: learn to manage and effectively organise huge data sets for easy access.
Also Read: MLIS Course: Full Form, Scope, Salaries, Colleges
Here is a quick insight into the main components of a BLIS degree:
Information organisation and management
Information retrieval and access
Collection development and management
Information technology and digital libraries
Research methods and information literacy
Internship or practicum experience
An online BLIS degree is one of the most sought-after degrees, specially curated for those who wish to establish a career in library and information management. It may sound complicated, but once you have a complete idea of the course and the steps you can take, it may be easy to decide. This blog is a comprehensive guide to exploring the different career pathways in this field. The top recruiters, salary figures, and colleges shall also help you make a more informed decision.
If you plan to pursue an online BLIS degree, you must also work on developing the essential skills to contribute more effectively. These skills help prepare you for the practical aspect of your degree. You can also apply for part-time jobs or internships to gain insight into how these workplaces function.
The following are the highest-paying professions after completing an online BLIS degree:
Librarian (in academic institutions or specialised libraries)
Information Analyst
Digital Librarian
Archivist (in government or corporate sectors)
Records Manager
One of the biggest challenges of a career in online BLIS is learning to evolve with the digital information and technological changes that take place. There are large databases that are difficult to manage making it necessary for the professionals to be equipped with the newer versions of the digital libraries.
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is one of the best options to go for. You can also explore an MBA degree that can help you develop the management skills necessary for a profession like this.
The following are the top colleges in India that offer an online BLIS degree:
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Subharti University
Karnataka State Open University (KSOU)
University of Mumbai – Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL)
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (MPBOU)
Yes, you can pursue an MBA degree post an online BLIS degree. This combination may work in favour of those who wish to develop or enhance their management skills to work with large databases and maintain the digital form of libraries. Therefore, an MBA degree can contribute significantly to your job after an online BLIS degree if you consider one. However, the specialisation you choose may also play a key role.
