Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SGOU), Kerala's first Open University based in Kollam, has invited applications for the post of University Librarian on a full-time contract basis, with one vacancy on offer. The role involves planning and leading the University's Central Library and Learning Resource Centre, including a public digital library serving distance and online learners across the state, making it a rare leadership opportunity for library professionals.
SGOU University Librarian Recruitment 2026
Posted 12 Oct 2026Updated 12 Oct 2026No.Ad.A3/1/90/2025/SOU
Total Vacancies
1
Last Date
11 Nov
24 days left
Apply Mode
Online
Contract
Status
Apply Now
Recruitment status
Applications open
Last date 11 Nov 2026 · 24 days left
- Notification07 Oct
- Applications Opentill 11 Nov
About SGOU University Librarian Recruitment 2026
Job Overview
- Organization
- Sreenarayanaguru Open University
- Advertisement No.
- No.Ad.A3/1/90/2025/SOU
- Post Name
- University Librarian
- Job Location
- Kollam, Kerala
- Job Type
- Contract
- Age Limit
- Up to 50 years
- Gender
- All
- Nationality
- Indian
- Experience
- At least five years as a Librarian at any level in a University / college Library, or 5 years of teaching as Assistant Professor / Associate Professor in Library Science, or 5 years' experience as a College / institution Librarian. Experience counted only for regular or full-time service in institutions recognised by the UGC or the competent statutory body, supported by documentary proof.
- Pay Scale
- Consolidated monthly remuneration of Rs. 39,690
- Tenure
- Initially for one year, extendable based on performance review and requirement of the University.
- Notice Period
- One month's notice by either party, or one month's remuneration in lieu of notice.
Vacancy Breakdown
University Librarian
1
| Post Name | Total |
|---|---|
| University Librarian | 1 |
Eligibility Details
University Librarian - Qualification and Experience
A Master's Degree in Library Science / Information Science / Documentation Science, with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. At least five years as a Librarian at any level in a University / college Library, or 5 years of teaching as Assistant Professor / Associate Professor in Library Science, or 5 years' experience as a College / institution Librarian. Evidence of innovative library services, including integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the library. A Ph.D. degree in Library Science / Information Science / Documentation / Archives and Manuscript-keeping. Candidates must possess all of these as on the last date of receipt of applications.
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| University Librarian - Qualification and Experience | A Master's Degree in Library Science / Information Science / Documentation Science, with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. At least five years as a Librarian at any level in a University / college Library, or 5 years of teaching as Assistant Professor / Associate Professor in Library Science, or 5 years' experience as a College / institution Librarian. Evidence of innovative library services, including integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the library. A Ph.D. degree in Library Science / Information Science / Documentation / Archives and Manuscript-keeping. Candidates must possess all of these as on the last date of receipt of applications. |
Age Limit
Upper age limit 50 years as on 01/01/2026
Age Relaxation
Usual relaxation to SC/ST and OBC as per Government of Kerala Rules and UGC Norms.
Application Fee
General / OBC
Rs. 1000
SC / ST / PwBD
Rs. 500
Bank Details for Fee Payment
Account No. 361401010035599, IFSC: UBIN0536148, Branch: Union Bank, Kollam-1. Fee remitted only through online as instructed in the submission portal; the fee is not refunded or adjusted under any circumstances.
Selection Process
- 1Scrutiny of Applications
Applications are scrutinised against the UGC qualifications and the conditions in the notification; the University may shortlist by fixing criteria higher than the minimum based on qualifications, experience and desirable credentials.
- 2Presentation on Vision Plan
Shortlisted candidates give a presentation on a vision plan for establishing a hybrid digital library at SGOU.
- 3Interview
Interview before a Selection Committee constituted as per UGC norms and the SGOU Statutes; the decision of the University is final.
Salary Structure
Consolidated monthly remuneration of Rs. 39,690
How to Apply
- 1Apply online through the University recruitment portal and fill in all particulars.
- 2Upload legible copies of the required documents.
- 3Remit the registration fee to Account No. 361401010035599, IFSC UBIN0536148, Union Bank, Kollam-1 through the online mode instructed in the submission portal.
- 4Take a printout of the completed application after successful online submission, affix a photograph and sign it.
- 5Attach self-attested copies of all credentials and the copy of the fee receipt.
- 6Send the hard copy by post to The Registrar, Sreenarayanaguru Open University, Kureepuzha, Kollam, Kerala, superscribing the envelope 'Application for the post of Librarian, Notification No.'
Documents to Carry / Upload
•Detailed Curriculum Vitae with a recent passport-size photograph
•Proof of age (SSLC or equivalent certificate)
•Degree certificates and mark lists (Graduation
•Master's in Library and Information Science
•Ph.D.)
•UGC-NET / SET certificate if any
•Experience certificates showing post held
•Nature of appointment
•Pay level and duration
•Portfolio of work covering libraries
•Digital libraries
•Repositories
•Digitisation projects and ICT innovations
•List of publications with copies of the five best
•Community / non-creamy layer / PwBD certificate where applicable
•No Objection Certificate from the present employer for those in service
•Vision note not exceeding 1
•000 words
•Signed declaration that the information furnished is true and complete
Important Details
- The appointment is purely temporary and on contract basis and does not confer any right to regularisation or permanent absorption.
- The contract may be terminated by either party with one month's notice or one month's remuneration in lieu of notice.
- Candidates in service must apply through proper channel or produce an NOC at the time of interview.
- No TA/DA is paid for attending the presentation or interview.
- Canvassing in any form leads to disqualification.
- If the UGC notifies revised regulations before the last date, the qualifications prescribed in the regulations then in force apply.
- Incomplete applications, applications without supporting documents, or those received after the last date are summarily rejected, and the University is not responsible for postal delay.
Desirable Qualifications and Credentials
- Library establishment: proven experience in planning and setting up a new University or institutional library from inception, including space planning, collection building, procurement, staffing and policy framing
- Digital library experience: designing, implementing and managing digital libraries and Institutional Repositories on open-source platforms such as DSpace, Greenstone or EPrints
- Digitisation: execution of digitisation projects for rare books, manuscripts, theses, archives or learning materials, including metadata standards (Dublin Core, MARC 21), persistent identifiers (DOI, Handle), preservation formats and digital rights management
- Library automation: expertise in Integrated Library Management Systems such as Koha or SOUL, RFID-based circulation and security, and web-scale discovery services
- E-resources management: managing e-journals, e-books and databases, consortia such as e-ShodhSindhu and One Nation One Subscription (ONOS), remote access tools and usage analytics
- Open and Distance Learning: library and information services for distance and online learners, Open Educational Resources (OER) and MOOCs (SWAYAM)
- National networks: familiarity with INFLIBNET services (Shodhganga, Shodhgangotri, IRINS, plagiarism detection tools) and the National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
- Open access and copyright: framing open access, copyright and licensing policies, including Creative Commons, for University publications and learning materials
- Accessible library services: services for learners with disabilities, assistive technologies, accessible formats (DAISY, accessible PDF) and compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Emerging technologies: AI-enabled search and discovery, research data management, bibliometrics and research analytics, and Malayalam (Unicode) digital content
- Research and professional standing: publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-CARE listed journals, research guidance, sponsored projects, and membership of professional bodies such as ILA, IASLIC or KLA
- Quality and accreditation: experience in NAAC and NIRF documentation of library and learning resources
- Additional qualifications: UGC-NET / SET in Library and Information Science, certification in IT, data management or digital preservation, and working knowledge of Malayalam
Key Deliverables During the Initial Contract
- A five-year Library Development Plan and Collection Development Policy approved by the Library Advisory Committee
- A functional Central Library at the Headquarters with an automated ILMS, a web OPAC and RFID-enabled circulation
- Launch of the SGOU Digital Library and Institutional Repository with remote access for all registered learners
- A phased digitisation programme for Self-Learning Materials, University publications and archival records with defined metadata and preservation standards
- A model for library services at Regional Centres and Learner Support Centres integrated with the University's Learning Management System
- An e-resource access and information literacy programme designed for distance and online learners
Roles and Responsibilities
- Head the University Library system and function under the overall control of the Vice Chancellor
- Plan, establish and develop the Central Library and Learning Resource Centre, including the public digital library at the Headquarters and library facilities at Regional Centres and Learner Support Centres
- Frame the library's vision, Collection Development Policy, Digital Preservation Policy, Open Access Policy and library rules
- Serve as Member Secretary of the Library Advisory Committee and advise University bodies on library and information matters
- Build and maintain the SGOU Digital Library and Institutional Repository with round-the-clock remote access for learners across the State
- Plan and execute digitisation of Self-Learning Materials, theses, rare documents and University archives following national and international standards
- Manage the ILMS, RFID, OPAC and discovery tools and integrate library services with the University's Learning Management System and learner portal
- Organise reference, information literacy, orientation and research support services for distance and online learners
- Procure and manage e-resources and consortia memberships and curate Open Educational Resources aligned with SGOU programmes
- Administer plagiarism detection services and support academic integrity and research visibility as per UGC regulations
- Prepare the library budget and carry out procurement in compliance with the Kerala Stores Purchase Manual, the Kerala Financial Code and University rules
- Supervise, train and build the capacity of library staff
- Coordinate with INFLIBNET, NDLI, other universities and professional bodies for resource sharing and collaboration
- Generate library data and reports for IQAC, NAAC, NIRF and other statutory bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SGOU University Librarian post permanent or on contract?
The appointment is purely temporary and on a contract basis for an initial period of one year, extendable based on performance review and the requirement of the University. It does not confer any right to regularisation or permanent absorption.
Is UGC-NET or SET mandatory for the University Librarian post?
No. UGC-NET or SET in Library and Information Science is listed as an additional desirable qualification and carries weight in shortlisting, but it is not part of the essential eligibility conditions.
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