Associateship in Information Science

Transcription

1 Develop- ment NISCAIR offers several HRD programmes to train and prepare professionals in the field of information, documentation and science communication. The training programmes conducted in the field of information science and technology are: (i) Associateship in Information Science (AIS) (ii) Short-Term training Courses (iii) Attachment Training Programmes (iv) IGNOU Study Centre Associateship in Information Science The institute has been offering an advanced master s degree level course in Documentation and Reprography since 1964, which was renamed in 1997 as Associateship in Information Science (AIS). The course has been revised and redesigned to incorporate the expanding dimensions of documentation and information science to suit the changing information needs of the country as well as other developing countries. From the academic session , one seat has been earmarked for each nation in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The course is run under the overall guidance of the Board of Studies, which consists of eminent information professionals, industry personnel and academicians of the country. The objective is to train the students in techniques of information handling and management with special emphasis on application of information technology for designing, implementing, operating and managing information systems. An important feature of this two-year course is the periodic holding of colloquia and seminars, which provide opportunities to students for debating, articulation and collective thinking. Besides, the students are also given the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops and short-term courses conducted by NISCAIR from time to time. Opportunities are provided to the students to visit, observe and study the working of a variety of institutions such as documentation and information centres, libraries, government departments connected with industrial development, planning, etc. The course comprises theory classes, practicals, training in different divisions, seminars and the final examination in the first year. In the second year, research work is assigned to students and they are required to submit dissertation. 76

2 For the batch, 23 students (22 Indian and one from Sri Lanka) have joined the AIS Course that commenced from 1 September The Indian students were admitted on the basis of qualification, written test and interview. The student from Sri Lanka has been sponsored by the SAARC Documentation Centre (SDC). Short-term Training Courses The emergence of Information Technology has brought in a tremendous change in information handling and management techniques. In order to prepare the existing information professionals from various organizations of India and neighbouring countries to cope with the changing technological environment in their day-to-day activities, NISCAIR organizes short-term courses on various topics, particularly in areas of information technology, computer applications and science communication. During the year, NISCAIR organized four courses on Information Technology for Information Management with 45 participants (32 from SAARC countries), two courses on Library Automation and Sharing with 52 participants and one course on Scientific Paper Writing with three participants (one from a SAARC country). In all, seven shortterm courses were organized and 100 persons were trained. ECF generated through these courses amounted to about Rs 8.0 lakh. The details of the various courses are given below: Sr. Programme Duration No. of No. participants 1 Short-term Course on 26 Apr.-28 May Information Technology 20 Sep.-21 Oct for Information Manage- 13 Dec Jan ment 21 Feb.-24 Mar Short-term course on July Library Automation and 31 Jan.-4 Feb Sharing 3 Short-term Course on Aug Scientific Paper Writing 77

3 In addition, one course on WINISIS was organized during August 2004 for the NISCAIR staff working for The Wealth of India and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts. Nine persons attended the course. Attachment Training Programmes NISCAIR regularly organises on-the-job training or attachment training programmes for those requiring specialized training in the field of information science, information management, information technology and related areas. For these programmes, the training components and schedules are customized to suit the requirements of an individual, taking into account his/her professional background, work experience, etc. The individual is given on-the-job training in addition to formal lecture sessions. Participants and organizers of a training course with Director, NISCAIR During the year, NISCAIR organised two Attachment Training Programmes for SDC-sponsored candidates and imparted training to 78

4 A training course in progress at NISCAIR 12 persons. ECF generated from these courses is over Rs 11.6 lakh. The details of the courses are as follows: Sr. Programme Duration No. of No. participants 1 Attachment Training 26 Apr.-23 July Programme for SDC sponsored candidates 2 - Do - 20 Sep.-17 Dec IGNOU Study Centre NISCAIR has been identified as the Programme Study Centre for the following IGNOU-sponsored programmes: Master in Computer Applications (MCA) Master/Bachelor in Library and Information Science (MLISc/BLISc) 79

5 NISCAIR has the responsibility of counseling, imparting practical training, organizing seminars, guiding students projects, conducting practical examination and evaluation of assignments for the above mentioned programmes students were trained in MCA during April 2004 to March and 279 students were admitted to MLISc/BLISc programmes during 2004 and 2005, respectively. 80