The modern libraries are functioning beyond the traditional basic functions of collecting, storing and retrieving documents. The academic libraries are automated to make the students and teachers more comfortable of using information from the libraries. Libraries by timely disseminating relevant and pertinent information to the users can revolutionize the existing educational standard of quality of scientific research. The impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries is tremendous and developments in Internet technology have surpassed an individual’s imagination. In such a new environment a new set of skills are required for librarians in managing the libraries.

Librarianship is a growing field, which has by now attained the status of a separate discipline in the universe of knowledge. It presents challenges and interesting situations to library personnel. The management of modern libraries needs persons with good academic and professional qualifications. Librarianship as a profession provides a variety of employment opportunities. In fact, it is possible to choose the kind of library to suit one’s interest and background. Persons with a superior record and high qualifications can achieve high positions. The salaries in college and university libraries are comparable to those of teachers.

Library and Information science is an interdisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources. Academic courses in library science typically include collection management, information systems and technology, research methods, cataloguing and classification, preservation, reference, statistics and management. Library science is constantly evolving, incorporating new topics like database management and knowledge management, etc.

The Department of Library and Information Science, Health Sciences Library, Manipal University aims to provide:

• practice-led teaching and practice-supported learning
• exposure to the advanced techniques in the field of librarianship
• Hands-on-training in accessing various online databases
• Library practicing in world-class Health Sciences Library