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Nagpur News.
Students of class XI and XII, who want to opt for a ‘different’ subject at school, can do so now. Starting academic year 2014-15, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to introduce Library and Information Science’ as a new elective at senior secondary level on a pilot basis in selected schools.
Students will be able to take the up subject as one of the four electives or as an additional elective at senior secondary stage in combination with any of the subjects under the Scheme of Studies of the Board.
“CBSE has decided to introduce a Library & Information Science Course at senior secondary level, which will fulfil the requirement of developing necessary skills in learners to identify, locate, evaluate and use the required information efficiently,” Dr Sadhana Parashar, director, CBSE, Academics, said.
The level of knowledge offered would be equivalent to diploma level. The course will be divided into fixed periods, with theory (80 marks) and practical sessions (20 marks), the Board said in a statement.
Principal,BVM, Civil Lines, Anju Bhutani, while speaking to Nagpur Today said, CBSE students generally go BA, BSc and other courses, introduction of ‘Library and Information Science’ will attempt to attract students towards Vocational courses. With so many colleges and schools opening up, library science course is a must as it will open up new career opportunity and will enable students to get jobs.
The course will include lessons on sectors such as library information society, library resources, reference and information resources, library computer application and library management. The statement said the course was essential because of its relevance and needed among students, teachers, professionals and researchers.
Principal, Centre Point School, Sumati Venugopalan, said we would like to tap this opportunity. If there is demand for this course we don’t mind starting it but there are not ample students and teachers available for this course.
Emphasising on the need for such a subject, the Board added, “One important aspect of this elective is to improve the education system for Library and Information Science at school level. The objectives of the course are to develop a basic understanding about the subject and develop knowledge and skill for students to be able to pursue the subject for higher education.”
