NET UNIT – II
UGC NET Unit II of Library and Information Science focuses primarily on the development, organization, professional structure, and social role of libraries in India. The unit begins with the historical development of libraries in India, including important committees and commissions that influenced the growth of library services at national and state levels. It covers the major types of libraries—academic, public, special, and national libraries, emphasizing their objectives, functions, users, collections, and services. An important component is library legislation, particularly the development of library laws in different Indian states, along with the Press and Registration of Books Act and the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act. The unit also examines the Five Laws of Library Science formulated by S. R. Ranganathan, which provide the philosophical and user-oriented foundation of librarianship. Another major area is Library and Information Science as a profession, including the nature of librarianship, professional competencies, required skills, responsibilities, and ethical principles governing professional conduct. The role of professional associations is also significant, covering national organizations such as the Indian Library Association (ILA), Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres (IASLIC), and Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science (IATLIS), as well as international organizations such as IFLA, ALA, CILIP, ASLIB, and SLA. The unit further considers the contribution of UGC, Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), and UNESCO to the promotion and development of libraries and information services. Library and Information Science education in India is another essential topic, dealing with the evolution of professional education, levels of LIS programmes, curriculum development, accreditation, research, and emerging competencies required by information professionals. The unit also emphasizes library public relations and extension activities, through which libraries communicate their services, develop community relationships, encourage library use, and reach underserved groups. Understanding library users, user studies, and user education is essential because modern libraries are increasingly designed around users’ information needs and behaviour. Finally, information literacy constitutes a major contemporary component, encompassing its meaning, objectives, areas, standards, types, models, and emerging trends. Information literacy enables users to identify, locate, evaluate, organize, use, and communicate information effectively and ethically. Thus, Unit II provides a comprehensive understanding of libraries as social and educational institutions and highlights their historical evolution, legislative framework, professional organization, educational foundation, user orientation, and continuing relevance in India’s information society.
This quiz has 25 question(s).