The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students of Class 11 and 12 can opt for a semi-professional course in library sciences from the next academic year.
The board has invited applications from schools interested in offering the option. The move is a part of the board’s February 12 decision to introduce Library and Information Science (LISc) on a pilot basis in some schools from 2014-15.
The opted subject can be considered equivalent to a diploma in library sciences---the students can work as library assistant thereafter.
The move is being mooted as a good option for low-scorers or Class 12 drop-outs.
"One of the objectives is to develop basic skills to work as a semi-professional in a library after Class 12," reads a circular issued by Sadhana Parashar, the board’s director for academic, research, training and innovation.
School principals in Mumbai endorse the move as an easy option, especially for medical and engineering aspirants. "Students who wish to appear for their medical or engineering entrance tests focus on scoring well in physics, chemistry and biology or maths. They need an easy elective to reduce the pressure," explained Deepshikha Srivastava, principal of Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri.
She said, "We should have more such semi-professional options as there will be many takers for them."
{{/usCountry}}She said, "We should have more such semi-professional options as there will be many takers for them."
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