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CHAPTER – 6

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

EDUCATION THROUGH DISTANCE

MODE IN INDIA

6.1 INTRODUCTION

In the modern era of ICT, information is increasing at an alarming rate

which leads to high expectations from library and information professionals.

With the increase in demand library professionals need to update their skills for

which training programmes used to be updating. To cope up the demand,

educational organisations and universities interested, offer the courses in the

face to face and distance mode. In India, the origin of distance education can be

traced back to 19621 with the establishment of School of Correspondence

Cources and Continuing Education (now known as School of Open Learning) in

Delhi University. The B.R. Ambedkar open university2 started the BLIS for the

first time in India through distance mode. The programme was limited to the

residents of Andhra Pradesh only.

6.2 HISTORY

In 1911 first formal training course in library science education was

started in princely and progressive state of Baroda. W. A. Borden proposed to

establish a library science school to train the personnel for librarianship, his

proposal was accepted which resulted an establishment of a library science school

161

in Baroda. It was only to train the library professionals working in the public

libraries of Baroda state. In 1915 A. D. Dickenson also started a three months

course in Lahore.

Dr. S.R Ranganathan started an undergraduate course at the Madras

University in 1931. During 1937 this course was upgraded and designated as a

post graduate diploma. Delhi University started Post-Graduate Diploma in

Library Science in 1947 which was later renamed as Bachelor of Library Science.

Delhi University also started Master of Library and Information Science in 1949,

Ph.D. in 1951 and M. Phil in 1977. DRTC Bangalore is offering an Associateship

in Information Science and Documentation since 1962 and INSDOC (presently

known as NISCAIR) is also offering Associateship in Information Science and

Documentation since 1964. Library science education in India is offered through

formal and informal education system. In formal mode of education the courses

are held in colleges and universities based on regular classes with annual

examination. Informal mode of education system is not limited to the formalities

of traditional educational system. It is also known as open education system. The

courses offered through traditional and open education system include certificate,

diploma, degree, masters, M.Phil and Ph.D.. Certificate and diploma courses are

usually undergraduate courses run by part time honorary teachers, library

associations and polytechnics. Bachelor of Library and Information Science,

Master of Library and Information Science, M.Phil programmes and Ph.D

programmes are only offered by Universities.

162

Milestones in LIS education in India3-11

1901 In-service training by John Macfarlane (Ist Librarian of Imperial

Library)

1911 Training course Central Library Baroda by W.A. Borden

1915 Training course Punjab University, Lahore (now in Pakistan) By

A.D Dickinson

1928 Certificate course Madras Library Association

1931 Diploma course Madras University under the leadership of Dr S.R.

Ranganathan

1935 Training programme Bengal Library Association

1935 Diploma course Andhra University

1935 Diploma course Imperial library (now national library) By K.M

Asadullah Khan

1937 P.G. Diploma Madras University

1941 Certificate Banaras Hindu university

1945 Diploma course University of Calcutta by the efforts of Munindra

Deb Rai

1958 B Lib Sc A.M.U.

1947 P.G. Diploma Delhi University

1949 M. Lib Sc Delhi University (PG diploma converted in Master

degree)

1951 Ph.D. Delhi University

1951 Certificate course Aligarh Muslim University

1956 P.G Diploma Nagpur University, M.S University, Baroda

1958-59 Diploma Pune University

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1959 training of Public Librarian’s and preparation of teaching aids by

Institute of Library Science at Delhi University (in 1964 it close

down and the teaching staff merged in department of Library

science)

1962 Associateship in DRTC under ISI Documentation and

Information Science by DRTC

1964 Documentation and Reprography by INSDOC (now NISCAIR)

started the course in 1977 it was renamed as Associateship in

information science

1967 M. Lib Sc. University of Bombay

1977 M.Phil started by Delhi University

1984 B. Lib. Sc Andhra Pradesh Open university

1989 B. Lib. Sc IGNOU

1994 M. L. I. Sc IGNOU

2008 MLIS online IGNOU

6.3 DISTANCE MODE IN LIS EDUCATION

The need to provide LIS education through distance mode was felt to:-

1 Increase the number of professionals required to run the different type of

Libraries and documentation centers.

2 Develop the existing knowledge and skills of the professionals already

working in different Libraries and information centers.

3 Remove the geographical barriers and time constraints.

4 Allow flexibility in learning according to the need of the learners.

164

5 Reduce the social, economic and other barriers faced by the learners.

6 Benefit the learners by providing most useful and cost effective means of

enhancing professional skills and obtaining the professional degree.

7 Provide opportunity for career advancement and create opportunities in

reaching the unreached.

6.4 GROWTH OF LIS EDUCATION

The succeeding decades after independence saw the spread of education

and research activities gathering momentum, and a large number of institutions

were built up as a result to function as modern temples. These institutions needed

professionals to run their libraries and since the facilities for LIS education were

meager, persons with education in other subjects with a mere library orientation

or certificate in library science or diploma in library science used to get jobs.

Later when university education in LIS widened leading to the availability as

well as spread of BLIS and MLIS courses, and skill requirements for professional

jobs got complex, retraining the existing work force was a major concern,

difficult to be handled only in the regular stream. University library schools in

India including affiliated to universities as indicated by Krishan Kumar and

Sharma are detailed in Table 6.1

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Table 6.1 : Growth of Library schools12

_________________________________________________________________

Period Number of Library schools established

_________________________________________________________________

1930s 2 (Andhra and Madras)

1940s 4 (Banaras, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi)

1950s 3 (Aligarh, Baroda, Osmania)

1960s 23 (Annamalai, Burdwan, Gauhati, Gujarat,

Jadavpur, Jiwaji (MLB Arts and commerce

College Gwalior), Karnataka, Kerala,

Kurukshetra, Lucknow (IT College),

Marathwada, Mysore, Nagpur, Panjab, Poona,

Punjabi, Rajasthan, A.P. University (TRS College,

Rewa), Army educational corps College at

Panchmari, SNDT, Shivaji, Varanseya, Vikram.

1970s 5 (Bhagalpur, Jammu, Kashmir, Ravishankar,

Saugar

_________________________________________________________________

LIS courses on the correspondence/distance education mode have thus

historical significance and were propounded for retraining senior professionals.

The regular LIS schools could explore the possibilities of evening, part time, and

summer courses, adding super numerary seats, provision to complete the courses

in a slow pace etc., for working graduates of Libraries.

The extension of such facility to other working graduates is a matter of

professional introspection. The strength and weakness of library profession in the

country is that any graduate can claim to be a professional either through

regular/distance course after two years. Normally the distance courses in LIS

stipulate some prior experience in library work.

In this dynamic age of information, ICT has revolutionized the all sphere

166

of human life and educational technology also have the changes. Accoding to

Gayatri Mahapatra the LIS education in India, in the digitized environment,

should have the following vision.

1. Introduction e-education programme for the LIS education and

developing virtual learning tools.

2. Strengthening of research components in the area focusing the need for

the coming problems related to information users and innovating new

curriculum and teaching techniques in digital environment.

3. Imparting training in modular courses to meet diverse types of users and

libraries in India.

4. Outsourced teaching pattern for teachers and trainers through industry-

academia-interface to inculcate the use of new tools and techniques of

IT/ICT.” 13

6.5 LIS PROGRAMMES IN IGNOU

“IGNOU was mandated to play two major roles:

1. to provide distance education as an open university and national

resource centre.

2. to work as an apex body to coordinate and to maintain standard monitor

quality, and accredit the distance education institutions, courses and

system in the whole country.”14

167

The following LIS Programmes are offered by IGNOU.

6.51 BLIS

The BLIS programme was started by IGNOU in 198915 in response to the

demand for large number of trained professionals in the field of library and

information science. At various levels trained library professional are required to

manage libraries in schools, colleges, universities, government departments,

industrial establishment and public Libraries etc. BLIS programme through

IGNOU is imparted through different media e.g. printed lessons, audio cassettes,

video films, counselling etc. the information and communication technology and

particularly the computer is changing the traditional face and concepts of all

kinds of Libraries and information institutions. IGNOU has accommodated these

new developments in the course content to meet the challenges of the changing

needs. The BLIS programme is conducted by the Faculty of Library and

Information Science which forms a part of the School of Social Sciences.

The programme comprises nine courses out of which seven courses are

devoted to theoretical aspects related to the discipline, while two courses are

designed to impart practical skill in classification and cataloguing. A compulsory

course entitled Information technology: basics, is also taught to the BLIS

students. The total duration of the entire programme is one academic year. A

student may appear in the Term End Examination in all the nine courses in one

sitting. The medium of instruction for this programme is Hindi and English.

168

The admission criterion for the BLIS programme is as follows:

Graduate with at least 50% marks

Or

Graduate with diploma in Library Science

Or

Graduate with two years of working experience in Library and

information centres

Or

Persons with bachelor degree in a professional area (Engineering,

Pharmacy, Law etc.)

Curriculum16

BLIS- 01 : Library and Society

BLIS-02 : Library Management

BLIS-03 : Library Classification Theory

BLIS-03P : Library Classification Practice

BLIS-04 : Library Cataloguing Theory

BLIS-04P : Library Cataloguing Practice

BLIS-05 : Reference and Information Sources

BLIS-06 : Information Services

BLIS-07 : Information Technology : Basics

169

6.52 MLIS

Information is an influential element in contemporary society. Every

social trend has some bearing on the future shape of information services. As per

the central and state government prescribed qualification for recruitment to higher

positions in library and information centres MLIS degree is the minimum

qualification. In those states which are having library legislation, the Master’s

degree in Library and Information Science is essential qualification for occupying

gazetted posts. Universities in India are offering masters degree programme in

LIS. To meet the manpower requirement of the country in the area of Library and

Information science, IGNOU thought it appropriate to start the Masters Degree

programme in LIS through distance mode in 199417. The motive behind

launching of MLIS programme was to provide an opportunity to a large segment

of people who are not in a position to carry on their professional education

through regular system of education. MLIS programme is also available online

on the LIVE platform. LIVE (Library and Information Virtual Education) is an

initiative of IGNOU to develop in-house Learning and Content Management

System for imparting online education. It is a complete virtual learning

environment suite covering all the activities from registration to certification.

The MLIS programme comprises eight courses out of which six are core

courses, devoted to information areas, management of library and information

centres, and information technology, while two are elective courses designed to

impart specific skills required in particular type of libraries and in selected areas

of disciplines. The curriculum also incorporates a practical component aimed at

170

exposing the students to some areas of information technology such as CD-ROM;

online searching of databases etc. The students are also required to complete the

programmes and seminars which are organized during the course. The seminars

are organized to provide the students some communication skills and

opportunities for interactive group discussions. The MLIS programme is offered

by IGNOU only through English medium for one year duration. At the end of the

academic year a student can appear in Term End Examinations in all the courses

in one seating and complete the programme.

The programme is open to the candidates with the following minimum

qualifications:

1. BLIS degree from any recognized University or any other qualifications

considered equivalent to BLIS such as P.G. diploma in Library Science

from recognized university.

2. Professional work experience will carry some weightage in consideration

of candidature for admission along with merit.

CURRICULUM18

CORE COURSES

MLI-101: Information, Communication and Society

MLII-101: Information Sources, Systems and Services

MLIL-102: Information Processing and Retrieval

MLI-102: Management of Library and Information Centres

171

MLII-103: Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies

MLI-104: Information Communication Technologies: Application

ELECTIVE COURSES

MLIP-002: Project Electives

MLIE-101: Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials

MLIE-102: Research Methodology

MLIE-103: Academic Library System

MLIE-104: Technical Writing

MLIE-105: Scientometrics and Informetrics

MLIE-106: Public Library System and Services

Beena Shah indicated the pass out details till 2007 in BLIS and MLIS

programmes

Table 6.2 : IGNOU BLIS/MLIS Programmes passouts19

Year BLIS

(No. of learners)

MLIS

(No of learners)

1991-92 310 --

1992-93 439 --

1993-94 641 --

1994-95 476 --

1995-96 455 --

1996-97 347 13

1997-98 405 101

1998-99 474 255

172

1999-2k 569 275

2000-01 650 205

2001-02 723 224

2002-03 1143 309

2003-04 1272 337

2004-05 1350 343

2005-06 1502 336

2006-07 1715 443

TOTAL 12471 2841

6.53 Post-Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and

Networking

Aiming at developing and professional competences of the LIS

professionals in an automated and networked environment. It provides an

opportunity for in-depth or intensive practical skills to develop or manage a

computerized library and information centre independently. The programme

comprises a mix of theory and practical components of the following courses.

MLI-001 Introduction of Computers

MLIL-001 Practical

MLI-002 Library Automation

MLIL-002 Practical

MLI-003 Information System

MLIL-003 Practical

173

MLI-004 Networking and Internet Technology

MLIL-004 Practical

MLI-005 Internet Resources

MLIL-005 Practical

MLI-006 Central Development

MLIL-006 Practical

MLI-007 Programming

MLIL-007 Practical

MLIP-008 Practical

6.54 Ph. D. In LIS: IGNOU also offer Doctoral Programme in Library and

Information Science in Consonance to the UGC Guidelines. Minimum criteria for

admission is M.Phil. in Library and Information Science.

6.6 IGNOU LIS PROGRAMMES OUTSIDE INDIA

India is the country where all religions have the same recognition and our

history shows that we treat the whole world as our family. In this era of ICT the

world becomes global village. Our national open university IGNOU is following

the motto of vasudhaiv kutumbakam (whole world as a family) by establishing

the centres with the partners in different countries of the world. In plain words we

can say that IGNOU is spreading the education not in India but also in abroad.

174

6.7 OPEN UNIVERSITIES OFFERING LIS COURSES

In India, Universities and Institutions other than IGNOU are providing

LIS education through various courses. The List of the Universities/Institutions

in addition to IGNOU is as follows:

OPEN UNIVERSITIES OFFERING LIBRARY and INFORMATION

EDUCATION IN INDIA20-28

S.No Name of the University Course

1 Indira Gandhi National BLIS

Open University, New Delhi MLIS

Ph.D

2 Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open BLIS

University, Hyderabad MLISc

3 Yashwantrao Chavan BLISc

Maharashtra Open University MLISc

Nasik, Pune

4 Vardhaman Mahaveer Open DLIS

University, Kota, Rajasthan BLIS

MLIS

Ph.D

5 Nalanda Open University DLS

Patna, Bihar BLIS

6 Karnatak Open University BLIS

Mysore

7 U.P. Rajarshee Tondon BLIS

Open University, Allahabad MLIS

175

8 M.P. Bhoj Open University BLIS

Bhopal MLIS

9 Dr Baba Sahab Ambedkar Open

University, Ahmadabad BLIS

10 Global Open University, B.Lib., M. Lib, M.Phil

Wokha, Dimapur and Kohima

Nagaland

6.8 Traditional Universities/Institutes offering LIS

education in India through distance mode

Correspondence courses institutions attached with traditional Universities

offering LIS education in India29-46

S.No Name of the University/Institute Course

1 Annamalai University BLIS, MLIS, M. Phil

DDE, Annamalai Nagar

2 Kakatiya University BLIS, CLIS

School of distance

Learning and cont. Edu.

Warngal

3 University of Kashmir CLIS

Deptt. of distance edu.

Srinagar

4 University of Madras CLIS, BLIS, MLIS

Inst. of correspondence

Education, Chennai

5 Madurai Kamaraj Univ. CLIS, BLIS, MLIS

Inst. of correspondence

Courses and cont. edu.

Madurai

176

6 Punjabi University DLIS, BLIS, MLIS

Deptt. Of Correspondence

Courses, Patiala

7 Sri Venkateshwara CLIS, BLIS

University, Inst. of

Correspondence courses

Tirupati

8 University of Calicut BLIS

School of distance edu.

Calicut

9 Kurukshetra University DLIS, BLIS, MLIS

Deptt. of distance edu.

Kurukshetra

10 Patna University BLIS

Director of distance education

Patna

11 Barkatula Vishwavidyalaya DLIS, BLIS, MLIS

Institute of correspondence

Courses, Bhopal

12 Guru Ghasidas University BLIS, MLIS

Bilaspur

13 Alagappa University CLIS,BLIS,MLIS

Karaikudi PGDLAN

14 Awadesh Pratap Singh BLIS

University, Rewa

15 Mahatma Gandhi BLIS, MLIS

Gramodaya University,

Chitrakoot

177

16 Dr. Hari Singh Gaur BLIS,MLIS

Viswavidyalaya,

Sagar

17 University of Hyderabad, PGDLAN

Hyderabad

18 National Open School, CLS

New Delhi

19 M.D. University, BLIS, MLIS

Rohtak

20 Berhampur University, BLIS

Berhampur, Orissa

21 North Orissa University, BLIS

Baripada, Orissa

22 Mahatma Gandhi BLIS

Kashi Vidyapeeth,

Varanaasi

23 Lalit Narayan Mithila Univ., BLIS, MLIS

Darbhanga

24 Kuvempu University, BLIS

Shimoga

25 Mohan Lal Sukhadia CLIS

University, Udaipur

26 Birla Institute of technology (BITS) BLIS

Distance learning programme

Division, Pilani

27 Vinayakmission University, CLIS, BLIS,

Salem PGDLAN, M.Phil

178

28 University of Rajasthan, CLIS

Jaipur

29 Mahtama Gandhi University BLIS

School of distance education,

Kottayam

30 Institute of Advanced studies, BLIS, MLIS

Deptt. of LIS, Sardarsahar,

Distt. Churu, Rajasthan

31 Bharathidasan University MLIS

Centre for distance education,

Tiruchirappalli

6.9 Conclusion

Today, LIS education in India is well established and it is considered as

an independent discipline. IGNOU started with a modest beginning of BLIS in

1989 and has reached to providing LIS education online. IGNOU is a leading

university in distance mode in India. It has the latest delivery technologies, which

are enriching the knowledge and capabilities of its learners. The course material

of IGNOU has a huge recognition among not only by the distance learners, but

also the regular students of traditional universities. Now a days IGNOU study

material is available online through e-gyan kosh, a portal. IGNOU is facilitating

the developing countries through its partner institutions. Finally we can say that

in India it is the phenomenon of twentieth century, starting from the first formal

course in 1911 in Baroda by Borden to IGNOU on-line MLIS programme 2008.

In the last approximately 100 hundred years LIS education and profession has

grown very well.

179

IGNOU LIS programmes have made a land mark in the profession. It

offers varied programmes, from BLIS to Ph.D. and also the specialised

programme Post Graduate Diploma in Library automation and Networking

(PGDLAN). Their curriculum has been revised regularly. IGNOU LIS

Programmes have some noteworthy practices that add to their credibility.

Practicals in all technology papers help the learners to be well versed in hardly

ICT which is very important for any LIS Professional today. There are four

practical courses in MLIS and seven PGDLAN that enrich a learner to understand

and apply ICT in a library and information centre. Seminar in all papers in MLIS

this component is another feature of IGNOU courses that is unique. It gives an

opportunity to the student to handle case studies, study literature, and learn

presentation skills etc.

180

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