The Department of Library and Information Science at University of Calicut is one of the premier institutions devoted to Library and Information Science education and research in India. The department was established as a full-fledged department of study and research in 1985. Though a one-year Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.L.I.Sc.) course was being offered since 1977, in 1992 the department launched a one-year Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.Sc) course. In lieu of these two programmes, the department now offers a two-year Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc.) course through Choice Based Credit Semester System (CCSS). The department has also launched M.Phil and Ph.D programmes in Library and Information Science. The department is leading the country in Library and Information Science education and has made a strong presence in the profession through its innovative teaching programmes, curriculum innovations, research papers and projects, workshops, seminars and short-term training programmes. The courses are designed to be flexible and wide-ranging, incorporating the cutting edge as well as ensuring a firm grasp of core fundamentals. The courses have a stimulating and effective scheme and syllabi prepared as per the UGC's model curriculum. A special feature of the syllabi is that it provides the students with an opportunity to develop skills and competencies on information and communication technology and hands-on training on library automation, digital library, institutional repository, and other professional software packages. The thrust areas of teaching and research in the department are the application of information and communication technology in libraries including library automation and networking, knowledge organization and management, information processing and retrieval, digital libraries and institutional repositories. Some research work has also been done in the areas of webometrics and scientometrics.
Facilities
The department has a fairly well equipped and fully computerized library with the objective of supporting the academic and research programmes of the department. The library is rapidly developing its collection. The department possesses latest tools like Dewey Decimal Classification scheme 22nd edition, AACR 2 Catalogue Codes, Sears List of Subject Headings, L.C. List of Subject Headings, etc. for teaching and to conduct examinations. The department has pride possession of a well-equipped networked computer laboratory. Internet facility with high bandwidth is available in the lab.
Career Guidance and Placement Cell
There is an increasing demand for information professionals in the job market. Library Science postgraduates get placed as Librarians, Information Scientists, Faculty Members, Knowledge Managers, Documentation Officer, Technical Officers, etc. Those who qualify UGC-NET examination can enter academics as Assistant Professor or Assistant Librarian of a University or Librarian of a College in India. Those who qualify UGC-JRF can also pursue research in the field of Library & Information Science with UGC fellowship. The primary objective of the placement cell is to place all eligible students in reputed libraries and information centers, right at the campus itself. Students are given career guidance starting from first year and mock interviews are conducted to analyze their strength and weakness. The cell motivate students to develop their overall personality in terms of career planning, goal setting and re-skilling which will take them to good stead even after getting the job.
Conferences and Workshops
The department conducts a series of national and international conferences, workshops, short-term training programmes, refresher courses, etc. These programmes are aimed to professionals working in libraries, students, academicians of all disciplines, knowledge managers, IT service providers, academic administrators, policy planners and other stakeholders of library and information centres. The proceedings of the conferences with ISBN are designed and printed at the Calicut University Press.
DELISAA
The Department of Library and Information Science Alumni Association (DELISAA) was formed on 5th November 2003. The Alumni Association is dedicated to the promotion of professional development and building a strong network among the alumni around the world. DELISAA provides a wide range of opportunities, services and resources, special alumni events, continuing education programs, alumni career services, conferences, alumni contact information, reunion programs, etc. The department alumni are occupying librarian positions in well reputed institutions and companies like VSSC, IIM, IIT, NIT, TCS, IBM and various universities in India. The alumni maintain a close relation with the department, helping each other in their growth.