Introduction
The competency-based short-term curriculum for Library assistant is designed to produce skilled and employable lower and middle-level technical workforce equipped with knowledge, skills and attitudes related to library organization and management. It makes the trainees able to get employment in any kind of library and resource centre.
Aim
The aim of this curricular program is to produce lower and middle-level library para-professionals able to do almost all the technical jobs and provide services to the clientele of any library and information centre.
Duration
The total duration of this training program is 390 hours.
Entry criteria
individuals who meet the following criteria will be allowed to enter into this program:
•Minimum 10+2 or equivalent.
•Physically fit as specified by the job.
•Minimum of 18 years of age.
•Should pass an entrance test.
Objectives
After the completion of the training programme, the trainees will be able to:
•plan for the establishment and operation of a small and medium-size library.
•Know selection criteria, sources of good books/periodicals and accessioning.
•Prepare a set of library rules.
•Determine the tools, materials and equipment needed for the library.
•Classify books subject-wise and can assign class numbers,
•Do end processing, spine labelling and shelving correctly.
•Prepare Author, Title, Subject catalogue cards and other additional cards.
•File catalogue cards correctly in the card catalogue cabinet.
•Locate books from the shelves.
•Do paper clipping judiciously and maintain the files subject-wise.
•Maintain library databases with a standalone system or web-based Integrated library system.
•Search desired books using various search techniques i.e. free-text & boolean operators.
•Print the searched list of books.
•Do internet searching and browsing the online databases.
•Know the basic principles and processes of library automation, library digitization.
•Do charging and discharging of books manually or electronically under the minimum of supervision.
•Answer reference queries using appropriate reference tools/books and resources.
•Know about preventive measures and remedies for the preservation of library materials, etc.