Comparing Digital Library Job Requirements and Digital Library Course Curriculum: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to compare the digital library job requirements and the curriculum offered in Indian LIS departments. Data were obtained from two sources: 180 job advertisements obtained through online job sites and course outlines obtained from the websites of 21 universities. The content analysis method was followed in the research for data analysis. The findings indicate that employers demand good communication skills and ability of working on digital library software, handling library management software, knowledge of basic computer skills, programming and markup languages. Job ads also indicate that a bachelors’ and masters’ degree programme in library and information science are the minimum essential requirements for employing digital library professionals. The study also found that there is no separate digital library programme offered whereas digital library course contents are integrated into BLIS & MLIS programmes. The digital library topics such as training students in using library management software, digital library software and content management systems; creating databases using MySql; website designing are offered at both bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. This paper compares what is demanded in the job market and what is offered by LIS departments and found that the curriculum does not fully address the needs of the job market, as certain topics such as troubleshooting and problem solving skills were seen missing from the Indian LIS curricula.