Trending Library Job Market in India: A Case Study of LIS Education and Employability

Abstract

Unemployment in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) in India is a serious issue, as highlighted in this research paper. With approximately 18,000 students enrolled in LIS courses annually, only a small percentage (less than 5%) are able to secure jobs in the public sector. The study analysed 6,094 advertised jobs over the past five years and found that school education (43.93%) and higher education (34.28%) were the main sectors offering job opportunities to fresh LIS professionals. Despite over 80 government universities, more than 40 private universities and 15 open universities offering bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in LIS, the employability of LIS graduates remains low. Only around 189 students (15.75%) who qualify UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) in LIS are successful in getting jobs in higher education per year. This indicates a significant gap between the number of LIS graduates and available job opportunities, with a ratio of 19:1 (approx.) between degree holders and their employability. Based on the study, recommendations and suggestions are provided to improve employability and job opportunities for LIS professionals in India. This research sheds light on the core job areas, sectors, skills, and cadre related to LIS as a career option. It calls for further research to comprehensively address the issue of employability and job prospects for LIS graduates in India.

Keywords: Jobs, LIS, LIS Education, Employment, Unemployment, Distance Education, Open University

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