Library, Information and Society
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IGNOU BLI-221: Library, Information and Society IGNOU BLIS study material, IGNOU solved assignments, IGNOU exam preparation, IGNOU library science notes
Introduction !
Importance of IGNOU’s BLIS (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) program.
Why BLI-221 is a foundational subject.
Relevance of “Library, Information and Society” in the modern knowledge era.
Unit 1: Library and Society
1.1 Meaning and Concept of Library
Definition of library.
Historical development of libraries (ancient, medieval, modern).
Public, academic, special, and national types of libraries.
1.2 Role of Libraries in Society
Libraries as centres of knowledge.
Libraries in social, cultural, and educational progress.
Libraries as instruments of social transformation and community formation.
1.3 Impact of Libraries on Education
Library’s role in formal and non-formal education.
Lifelong learning and self-study facilities.
Digital libraries and e-learning facilities.
Unit 2: Information and Society
2.1 Concept of Information
Meaning and definition of information. Distinction between data, information, and knowledge.
Role of information in decision-making.
2.2 Information and Its Role in Society
Information as a resource.
Information economy and knowledge-based society.
Role of information in governance, research, and innovation.
2.3 Information Literacy
Concept of information literacy.
Importance for students, professionals, and researchers.
Skills necessary for assessing and utilizing information properly.
Unit 3: Library Movements and Systems
3.1 Library Movements in India
Development of public library movements.
Role of great personalities (S. R. Ranganathan, etc.).
Role of NGOs, government policies, and library associations.
3.2 Library Systems in India
National Library of India.
Public library networks.
Academic library systems (school, college, university).
Special libraries and research institutions.
3.3 International Library Systems
Library systems in developed nations (USA, UK, etc.).
UNESCO and IFLA roles.
Indian system compared to international systems.
Unit 4: Library Legislation and Organizations
4.1 Library Legislation in India
Requirement for library legislation.
Important library acts in India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, etc.).
Difficulty in enforcing library laws.
4.2 Library Associations and Organizations
Indian Library Association (ILA).
IASLIC, RRRLF.
International associations (IFLA, ALA, CILIP).
4.3 Government and NGO roles in library development
Policies and funding.
Rural and community libraries.
ICT initiatives in libraries.
Unit 5: Communication and Information
5.1 Communication Concept
Definition, types, and models of communication.
Communication’s role in knowledge transfer.
5.2 Communication Channels
Traditional vs. modern channels of communication.
Mass communication and social media in disseminating information.
Communication barriers and their solutions.
5.3 Information Flow and Networks
Sources and services of information.
Information networks (INFLIBNET, DELNET, etc.).
Effect of ICT on information flow.
Career Relevance of BLI-221
How this course influences the professional direction of library science students.
Careers in academics, research, information centers, digital libraries, and IT-enabled services.
Skills acquired by students from the course.
Tips for preparation of IGNOU BLI-221
How to prepare unit-wise.
Usefulness of previous year question papers.
Writing successful assignments.
Time management in exams.
Conclusion
Libraries are more than mere repositories of books but the fulcrum of knowledge societies.
BLI-221 equips students to comprehend the dynamic role of information in society.
Importance of embracing ICT, digital libraries, and international library practices .
1. Concept of Library
- A library is an organized collection of information resources (books, journals, e-resources, etc.) made available for reading, study, and reference.
- It plays a key role in education, research, culture, and lifelong learning.
- Types of Libraries:
- Academic Libraries (schools, colleges, universities)
- Public Libraries (for general public)
- Special Libraries (for organizations like hospitals, industries, law firms)