INFORMATION SCHOOL

In 2004, Department of Library and Information Science , University of Madras, was renamed Department of Information Science, as the first of its kind. Master of Library and Information Science course was replaced by ‘Master of Science’ in Information Science ( that is M Sc (Information Science) ) from the academic session 2004-2005. The words denoting traditional discipline , “Library Science” have been completely dropped from the name of the department as well as from the name of the degree being awarded. However, in the curriculum, many topics belonging to the discipline of “Library Science” have been retained, though the emphasis is heavily on information science. The question arises, why “ Library Science” has dropped from the name of the library school. The idea may be that information science as a subject of study has higher prestige than Library Science. The fields like computer science and management studies claim that information science belongs to their fold. In view of this position, will they accept Madras School of information within their fold ? I have my own doubts. The students will be in a disadvantageous position for jobs in libraries because most of the library administrators would think that they have not been trained for library positions. Besides, if a student with M Sc in information science applies for admission to a Ph D programme of another library school, then he my get rejected on the ground that his degree falls outside the purview of library science. Those who pass out from this library school may at some stage protest that they did not get enough knowledge and slills to take up jobs in libraries. Will library schools in the country accept this school in their fold willingly. Their would be some notes of dissent. A school by whatever name, it may called but the basic idea should be to improve quality of education and produce excellent products that are readily lapped by the employers. We need employable products and nothing less. Only time will tell how the library profession including librarians and library faculty perceive the products coming out from this school of information science. Let us keep our fingers crossed. In USA, a movement of information schools was started about a decade back with great hopes. This movement has faded now. The library profession and the products coming out from these schools are not too happy with information science schools.