| # | Syllabus Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | English (Part-B): Letter Writing and Reporting. |
| 2 | Library Science (Part- A): As follows:- |
| 3 | Library and Information Science Profession – Librarianship as a Profession, Professional Skills and Competences; Professional Ethics. |
| 4 | Library Public Relations and Extension Activities. |
| 5 | Type of Users – User Studies, User Education. |
| 6 | Sources of Information – Primary, Secondary and Tertiary; Documentary and Non-Documentary. |
| 7 | Reference Sources – Bibliographical, Biographical, Educational, Language and Geographical. |
| 8 | Databases: Bibliographic, Numeric, FullText, Multimedia; Open Access Databases. |
| 9 | Evaluation of Reference Sources and Web Resources. |
| 10 | Community Information Services. |
| 11 | Alerting Services – CAS, SDI, Inter Library Loan and Document Delivery. |
| 12 | Mobile based Library Services and Tools – Mobile OPAC, Mobile Databases, Mobile Library Website, Library Apps, Mobile Library Instructions, Augmented Reality, SMS Alerts, Geo-Location, Reference Enquiry. |
| 13 | International Information Systems and Networks: INIS, AGRIS, INSPEC, MEDLARS, BIOSIS, ERIC, Patent Information System (PIS), Biotechnology Information System (BIS). |
| 14 | Library Resource Sharing and Library Consortia – National and International. |
| 15 | Library Act: Laws relating bibliographic control. Press & Registration of Books Act, D.B. Act. Intellectual Property Rights. Patents, Copyright. Right to Information. Censorship. Data Protection. |
| 16 | Knowledge Organisation: Cataloguing – Cannons and Principles; Centralized and Co-operative Catalogue; Library Cataloguing Codes:Classified Catalogue Code(CCC) and AACR – II. |
| 17 | Library classification : Classification of documents representing simple subjects by DDC, Classification of documents requiring use of tables by DDC, Classification of documents requiring "add" notation by DDC, Assignment of books numbers by using Cutter-Sanborn table |
| 18 | Standards of Bibliographic Record Formats and Description – ISBD, MARC 21,CCF, RDA, FRBR, Bibframe. |
| 19 | Indexing Systems and Techniques: Assigned – Pre-coordinate; Post-coordinate; Derived – Title-based; Vocabulary Control. |
| 20 | Information Retrieval System – Features, Components, Models and Evaluation. |
| 21 | Library and Information Centers management – Book Selection Tools and Principles; Library Acquisition, Technical Processing, Circulation, Serial Control, Maintenance and Stock Verification; Preservation and Conservation; Hazards and Control Measures of Library Materials. |
| 22 | Project Management – SWOT, PEST, PERT / CPM. |
| 23 | Total Quality Management (TQM) – Concepts, Principles and Techniques, Six Sigma; Evaluation of Services of libraries and Information Centers. |
| 24 | Management Information System (MIS), MBO, Change Management, Disaster Management, Crisis Management. |
| 25 | Types of Software – System Software, Application Software. |
| 26 | Computer Networks – Topologies, Types of Networks – LAN, MAN, WAN. |
| 27 | Internet – Web browsers, WWW, E-mail; Search Engines, Meta and Entity Search engines. |
| 28 | Internet Protocols and Standards – HTTP, SHTTP, FTP, SMTP, TCP/IP, URI, URL. |
| 29 | Hypertext, Hypermedia, Multimedia, Video conferencing, Virtual Reality, Augmented Technologies. |
| 30 | Data Security, Network Security, Firewalls, Cryptographic Techniques, Anti-virus software, Anti-spyware, Intrusion Detection System. |
| 31 | Library Automation * Areas, Planning, Selection of Hardware and Software [a) Library Software: Free or open source software and proprietary software, b) Library Management Software: KOHA, LIBSYS, OPALS, c) Digital Library Software: DSPACE, GREEN STONEI, Implementation and Evaluation ; Standard s for L i brary A utomation. |
| 32 | Digitization – Planning, Selection of Materials, Hardware, Software, Process, Issues. |
| 33 | Methods of Data Collection: Questionnaire, Interview, Observation, Library Records, Scales and Checklist. |
| 34 | Statistical Packages – Spreadsheet, SPSS, Bibexcel, 'R' Statistics. |
| 35 | Impact Factors – Joumal, Institutional and Authors; h-lndex, g-lndex, il0 Index. |
| 36 | Types of libraries and their characteristics and functions. Role of libraries in promoting reading habits. |
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly Secretariat is recruiting for the post of Library Assistant. A crucial step in preparing for this exam is understanding the detailed syllabus. This article breaks down the syllabus to help you strategize your preparation.
The syllabus is divided into two parts: Library Science (Part A) and English (Part B).
Library Science (Part A):
This section forms the bulk of the syllabus and covers a wide range of topics within Library and Information Science. We can further categorize these topics for better understanding and preparation:
-
Foundations of Library and Information Science (Topics 3, 4, 5, 36): This section covers the core principles of the profession, including ethics, public relations, user studies, and the role of libraries in promoting reading habits.
- Preparation Approach: Focus on understanding the theoretical aspects of librarianship, the importance of user-centric services, and the ethical considerations involved. Study different types of libraries and their specific functions.
-
Information Sources and Services (Topics 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13): This section deals with various types of information sources, reference materials, databases, and alerting services. It also includes modern mobile-based library services.
- Preparation Approach: Familiarize yourself with the different types of information sources (primary, secondary, tertiary) and their characteristics. Learn about various reference sources and databases, including open-access options. Understand the concepts of CAS, SDI, and other alerting services. Pay close attention to mobile-based library services and tools, as this reflects current trends in the field.
-
Knowledge Organization (Topics 16, 17, 18, 19): This section covers cataloging, classification, and indexing systems.
- Preparation Approach: This is a highly technical section. Thoroughly study cataloging principles, including the use of CCC and AACR-II. Practice classifying documents using DDC, paying attention to the use of tables and "add" notation. Understand the different standards for bibliographic record formats (ISBD, MARC 21, etc.) and indexing techniques.
-
Information Retrieval and Management (Topics 20, 21, 22, 23, 24): This section covers information retrieval systems, library management principles, project management techniques, and quality management concepts.
- Preparation Approach: Understand the features, components, models, and evaluation of information retrieval systems. Study library management principles, including book selection, acquisition, technical processing, and preservation. Learn about project management tools like SWOT, PEST, and PERT/CPM. Familiarize yourself with Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts and techniques.
-
Information Technology (Topics 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32): This section covers computer networks, internet technologies, data security, library automation, and digitization.
- Preparation Approach: This section requires a good understanding of computer fundamentals, networking concepts, and internet protocols. Study library automation software (KOHA, LIBSYS, etc.) and digital library software (DSPACE, Greenstone). Understand the planning, selection, and implementation aspects of digitization projects.
-
Library Legislation and Resource Sharing (Topics 14, 15): This covers Library Acts, laws relating to bibliographic control, intellectual property rights, and library resource sharing.
- Preparation Approach: Study the Press & Registration of Books Act, D.B. Act, and other relevant legislation. Understand the concepts of copyright, patents, and right to information. Learn about national and international library consortia and resource-sharing initiatives.
-
Research Methods and Statistics (Topics 33, 34, 35): This section covers data collection methods, statistical packages, and impact factors.
- Preparation Approach: Familiarize yourself with different data collection methods (questionnaire, interview, observation). Learn the basics of statistical packages like Spreadsheet, SPSS, and 'R' Statistics. Understand the concepts of journal, institutional, and author impact factors, as well as h-index, g-index, and i10-index.
English (Part B): Letter Writing and Reporting:
This section tests your writing skills, specifically in letter writing and report writing.
- Preparation Approach: Practice writing different types of letters (formal, informal, business) and reports (factual, analytical). Pay attention to grammar, vocabulary, and clarity of expression. Study the standard formats for letter writing and report writing.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus Integration:
The official notification should provide details on the exam pattern, including the weightage of each section (Library Science and English) and the type of questions (e.g., multiple-choice, essay). Use this information to prioritize your study efforts. For instance, if Library Science carries a higher weightage, allocate more time to that section.
The syllabus is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in all aspects of library and information science, as well as your ability to communicate effectively in English. A thorough understanding of the syllabus and a well-planned preparation strategy are essential for success in this exam.
Source: Official Notification
Recommended Books for RECRUITMENT TO THE POST OF LIBRARY ASSISTANT UNDER THE WE…
Here are some highly recommended books that can help you prepare effectively. These are trusted by lakhs of candidates across India.
Wren & Martin — High School English Grammar
The gold standard for English grammar preparation. Covers all grammar rules with exercises and examples.
Best for: English Language & Comprehension sections
R.S. Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude
Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation with shortcuts and solved examples for competitive exams.
Best for: Mathematics & Numerical Ability sections
R.S. Aggarwal — A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Comprehensive guide covering logical reasoning, puzzles, coding-decoding, and pattern recognition with thousands of practice questions.
Best for: Reasoning & Mental Ability sections
Computer Awareness for Competitive Exams
Covers MS Office, internet basics, computer hardware/software, and digital literacy topics commonly asked in government exams.
Best for: Computer Knowledge & Digital Literacy sections
Note: The links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this website running and provide free job alerts.