RAJYALAKSHMI. Medium of Instruction for LIS Education in India : English or Indian Languages ? 26,1;2001;60-66
Professional education in India has been in English language for a very long time even though librarianship and training of library professionals has been considered as semiprofessional. With the advent of information explosion, technological revolution communication networks, automation of libraries, Information retrieval techniques, has enhanced the need for the proficient knowledge and skills, and has swiftly transformed traditional librarianship into a multidisciplinary and complex Information profession. At this juncture, the prolific growth of LIS Schools during the last decade in Indian Universities, imparting different levels of LIS courses, are providing an option for LIS students to opt for writing their examination in their regional language medium, even though the medium of instruction is in English. In some schools the medium is even being shifted to the regional languages. Where are we leading our younger generations in the profession, if the same thing continues? Is there a progression or regression? With these thoughts, the paper touches certain aspects like: concept of education, professional education, LIS education in India , implications of Indian language as medium of instruction in LIS education; impact of environment and survival of the fittest in profession have been discussed.