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WHAT IS LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE?
Library and Information Science (LIS) is the academic and professional study of how information and information carriers are produced, disseminated, discovered, evaluated, selected, acquired, used, organised, maintained, and managed. It equips learners with knowledge and skills to effectively manage the information and knowledge resources of organisations. LIS graduates use these knowledge and skills to organise and provide relevant and accurate information on health, education, the environment, industry, good governance, freedom, human rights, and wealth creation, among others. Information is vital for informed action at all levels of decision making such as in budgeting, policy making, research and development, and even in democratic governance for transparency and accountability.
WHERE DO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENTISTS WORK?
Library and information scientists can work as librarians or library assistants in public libraries (run by the town councils), school libraries, academic libraries (such as those in colleges and universities), and special or corporate libraries (may be found in every type of institution or organisation such as the Bank of Zambia, museums, government agencies, religious organisations etc.). The position held depends on one’s qualification, experience, and the type and size of the library. For instance, a diploma holder may be employed in the capacity of librarian in a private school library but may only work as library assistant in a large university library.
Library and information scientists can also work as archivists or records managers in government departments or ministries or in any organisation in need of information workers such as law firms, corporations and research institutes.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
A typical day for a librarian may involve tasks such as shelving of books, shelf-reading (ensuring all reading material is in order), purchasing and acquisition of books, and cataloguing and classification. Librarians also answer common queries from library users and assist them. In academic and school libraries, librarians teach pupils and students how to effectively use the libraries multitude of resources and how to evaluate and use outside resources. They also work hand in hand with faculty to select, acquire and maintain a resource collection that supports the curricula as well as the research needs of students and faculty. Librarians may also assist in research by way of gathering, analysing, synthesising and presenting external information to the researcher especially in corporate libraries.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A LIBRARIAN?
The work schedule of a librarian or library assistant depends on the library where one works and the position held. If you work in a school library, the work hours usually run from 08:00 hours to 16:00 hours, Monday to Friday. University and college libraries are typically open for longer hours (09:00 hours to 22:00 hours) and are open even on weekends. As such, work is done in shifts. There could be a day shift, running from 09:00 hours to 16: hours and an evening shift running from 16:00 hours to 22:00 hours. Individuals holding senior positions in the library will not work in such shifts but rather work from 09:00-17:00 hours Monday to Friday. Special (corporate) libraries usually just follow the normal 08:00-17:00 hours work schedule from Monday to Friday.
SALARY RANGES AND WHAT CONTROLS IT
Entry level salaries for certificate holders range from 3500zmw-5000zmw while those for diploma holders range from 5000zmw to 13 000zmw in some private institutions. Salaries for the degree holder could go as high as 20 000zmw depending on the institution, position held and level of experience.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The world has moved into an information age and LIS professionals are no longer just concerned with books but are responsible for managing all modes of information including digital data. LIS professionals are the much-needed experts in this information age. Their expertise is required in a variety of settings in almost every type of organisation. There is thus a decent number of employment opportunities. At UNZA, LIS is typically offered as a double major along with another humanities program such as public administration, development studies or economics which further broadens the employment prospects.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
To enjoy a career in library and information science, one needs to be detail-oriented and organised, and able to work in a structured environment. They also need to be social, because working in a library involves interacting with many different kinds of people.
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WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Some of the subjects covered during the course of study are; desktop publishing, cataloguing and classification, collection management, knowledge management, specialized information systems, digital librarianship, strategic management and marketing of information services
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Minimum entry requirements for grade 12 school leavers are 5 O’ level credits, Mathematics and English inclusive. A merit or better in English is an added advantage especially for the degree programs.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE AN INFORMATION SCIENTIST?
Apart from LIS, to work as an information scientist, one can opt to study for a diploma or degree in Records and Archives Management (RAM) or in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT).
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
To advance their qualifications, degree holders can study for the Master of library and information science (MLIS) and later pursue a PhD in the same or any other relevant field. A master’s or PhD increases the opportunities of working in senior roles especially in public libraries, university libraries or research institutes. A master’s degree also enables one to work in the capacity of a lecturer and gives an upper hand in the job market.
References
Mulauzi, F. & Njobvu, B., 2018. Library and Information Science Education in Zambia: Issues and trends during pre- and post-independence. In: Education in Zambia at fifty years of independence and beyond: History, current status and contemporary issues. Zambia. Lusaka: University of Zambia Press, pp. 213-226.
Sokanu Interactive Inc., 2020. What personality traits do librarians have?. [Online] Available at: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/librarian/personality/#
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020. Library Science Careers. [Online] Available at: https://sis.utk.edu/traditional-is-careers
University of Zambia, 2018. Department of Library and Information Sciences. [Online] Available at: https://www.unza.zm/schools/education/departments/library-information-studies
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 4 years (degree) / 2 years (diploma) / 1 year (certificate)
Mode of study: Full-time and distance learning
Admitting school: School of Education
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 0211 251381
E-mail: dean-edu@unza.zm
Website: https://www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-arts-with-library-and-information-studies
UNIVERSITY OF BAROTSELAND
Programme duration: 4 years (degree) / 2 years (diploma) / 1 years (certificate)
Mode of study: Full-time and distance learning
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Mongu
Contacts
Tel: +26 0217 221153
E-mail: admissions@ubl.edu.zm
Website: www.ubl.edu.zm/
EVELYN HONE COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma) / 1 years (certificate)
Mode of study: Full-time and distance learning
Admitting school: School of Education and Social Sciences
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 0211 225127
E-mail: patrickmumba2010@yahoo.com / cnyirongo@evelynhone.edu.zm
Website: www.evelynhone.edu.zm/education-and-social-sciences/