MIU
MLIS course is a postgraduate programme designed for students who want to build a career in library management, information services, digital libraries, archives and knowledge management. The MLIS full form is masters of library and information science. It is generally pursued after completing a bachelor's degree, students who are interested in libraries, information systems, research, documentation and digital information management.
The masters of library and information science programme teaches students how to organise, manage, preserve, and provide access to information in both traditional and digital environments. The duration of the MLIS course is usually one to two years. In the Thai course students will study subjects like library management, information technology, cataloging, classification, digital libraries, research methods, archives, and information services. Students who are considering this programming should understand MLIS eligibility and career scopes before applying. After completing the course, graduates can find opportunities as librarian, information officers, library assistant, archivists, documentations officers, knowledge managers, and digital library professionals. Jobs are available in universities, colleges, schools, public libraries, research institutions, government organisations, museums, archives and private companies. The MLIS course is also helpful for students who want to appear for competitive examinations and higher studies in library and information science. In this article we will learn about MLIS courses with their complete details like full form, admission, eligibility, duration, fees, college & jobs.
| Particular | Details |
| Course Name | Masters of library and information science |
| MLIS Full Form | Masters of library and information science |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| MLIS Course Durations | Usually 1-2 years |
| Eligibility | Bachelors degree |
| Admission | Merit based or entrance based |
| Main Areas | Library science, information science, digital libraries, archives |
| Teaching Mode | Regular, distance, or online |
| Career areas | Libraries, universities, archives, research centres, government and private organisations |
| Popular Job Roles | Librarian, Information Officer, Archivist, Documentation Officer, Knowledge Manager |
| Suitable for | Students interested in information, research, libraries and knowledge management |
MLIS is a postgraduate course that combines the principle of library science with modern information management. The programme is designed to prepare students to handle information resources efficiently and help users find reliable information.
In earlier times, library work generally involved printed books, registers, journals and physical catalogs. Nowadays libraries need to manage e-books, online journals, databases, institutional repositories, digital archives, and electronic documents. The MLIS program involves the study of subjects like classification, cataloging, information searching, library automation, digital libraries, research methods, and library management. The program will provide students with knowledge about the creation, organization, storage, searching, evaluation, and dissemination of information. MLIS is a suitable program choice for students that enjoy reading, research, information organization, interpersonal relations, and use of technology.
Full form of MLIS is Master of Library and Information Science. The name is indicative of the two key domains addressed by this course:
A combination of skills including organisation, communication, research and technology can be helpful for the students to pursue their MLIS courses. The same skills can be helpful for the graduates to succeed professionally as librarians and information officers.
1. Communication Skills: Communication skills will enable the librarians and information officers to interact well with the users which includes the students, faculty members, researchers, visitors and many more people.
2. Computer Skills: Computer skills are essential for modern libraries because modern libraries use computer technology very much. So, the students should be able to work with the applications related to the computers and the libraries.
3. Research Skills: It is common for the information professionals to help the users to get access to research papers, books, reports, databases and other kinds of sources.
4. Organising Skills: There are lots of information resources stored in the libraries. So, it is necessary for the professionals to organise and manage those systematically.
5. Attention to Details: Cataloguing, classification, metadata creation, documentation and record management require accuracy because even small mistakes in these areas can cause difficulty to retrieve information.
6. Problem Solving Skills: Sometimes it may become necessary for the librarian or information officer to guide the users to obtain some specific information which can be difficult to locate.
The subjects in an MLIS course can differ from one university to another. However, most programmes cover the basic principles of library management and information science.
Common MLIS subjects may include:
Students may also study topics related to institutional repositories, metadata, information networks, digital preservation, and emerging technologies. The exact subjects depend on the university, so applicants should check the current syllabus before taking admission.
MLIS eligibility criteria differs from college to college. It is important that applicants must have passed a recognized bachelor's degree from an eligible college. While some colleges may accept candidates from all streams, some may prefer or make it mandatory for applicants to have a bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science or a related field. The minimum percentage of marks may also vary.
Some common eligibility criteria are:
It is very important that students refer to the latest admission notification of their concerned college as there could be a difference in MLIS Eligibility criteria.
MLIS course content aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in library administration, information organization, technologies, research and information services. Courses may vary depending on the specific universities, but a typical two-year program of the Master of Library and Information Science consists of four semesters.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Foundations of Library and Information Science | Information Storage and Retrieval |
| Information Sources and Services | Library Automation |
| Knowledge Organisation: Classification | Digital Libraries |
| Knowledge Organisation: Cataloguing | Information Retrieval Systems |
| Information and Communication Technology | Information Needs and User Studies |
| Library Management | Research Methodology |
| Classification and Cataloguing Practical | ICT Applications in Libraries – Practical |
| Information Literacy | Information Services and User Education |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Research Methodology | Advanced Information Processing and Retrieval |
| Quantitative Research Methods | Knowledge Management Systems |
| Library and Information Management | Digital Information Services |
| Digital Libraries | Information Technology Applications |
| Information Retrieval | Elective/Specialisation Subject |
| Knowledge Management | Practical Training |
| Computer Application Practical | Research Project/Dissertation |
| Elective Subject | Seminar and Viva Voce |
The admission process for an MLIS course depends on the university or college. It may be done in the following steps.
Step 1: In the first place, one needs to check whether he or she fulfills the academic criteria of the university. It includes the requirement of bachelor's degree, minimum marks and qualification, if any.
Step 2: A university may conduct admissions based on merit, entrance examination or combination of both entrance test marks and academic performance.
Step 3: Eligible applicants need to apply in the online or offline mode in the prescribed time. They need to provide their academic information and other details as required.
Step 4: If there is an entrance exam, then the applicants have to appear in it. The syllabus may include general knowledge, reasoning, fundamentals of library science, information technology and other related subjects.
Step 5: After conducting the entrance test or reviewing applications, the university publishes the merit or selection list.
Step 6: Generally, selected candidates need to submit educational certificates, ID proof and other documents as prescribed.
Step 7: Payment of admission or semester fees is the last step. Admission becomes complete according to university norms.
The deadline dates, eligibility criteria, fees, and other documents must be known from the official website of the universities, which may change every year.
Duration of an MLIS program typically ranges between one to two years based on the university and program structure. A one-year post-graduation MLIS program is offered by some universities, and a two-year program is offered by others, in various semesters. In case of distance education, the MLIS program duration might differ. Thus, there can be variations in MLIS program duration, and it needs to be checked before applying. MLIS courses might include classroom learning, practicals, assignments, exams, and projects.
MLIS Eligibility and Career Scope of the course will prove to be appealing to students who like libraries, information science, education, research, and digital information. Students can work in conventional libraries as well as technological-based information organizations.
A student pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science course is eligible to get a job in educational institutes like schools, colleges, universities; public libraries; governmental agencies; research institutions; museums; archives; documentation centers; and even private firms.
Salary will be based on qualifications, experience, place of work, nature of job, and terms of hiring. The numbers given below are indicative of the range only.
| Job Roles | Approx. Starting Salary |
| Library Assistant | INR 2-4 LPA |
| Assistant Librarian | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Librarian | INR 3-7 LPA |
| Information Officer | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Documentation Officer | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Archivist | INR 3-7 LPA |
| Digital Library Professional | INR 3-7 LPA |
| Knowledge Management Executive | INR 4-8 LPA |
| Research Assistant | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Senior Librarian | INR 6-12 LPA |
Career prospects following the MLIS programme can be influenced by professional skills, experience, specialisation, and further education. Professionals may enhance their prospects through gaining skills related to digital library technologies, database management, metadata, information search and retrieval, research tools, data management, and future information technologies. Aspiring students who want to make careers in academic fields may also look into further research and doctoral degrees, as per the requirements of the institution and their career objective. Competitive examination and recruitment tests may also play an important part for some government and university vacancies. Students need to check eligibility and recruitment criteria for each specific vacancy separately. Overall, MLIS Eligibility and Career Scope is not restricted to the conventional library profession alone. With increasing dependency on digital information by various organizations, individuals having knowledge of libraries as well as technology may venture into a host of other career options.
MLIS full form is the Master of Library and Information Science. This postgraduate course involves library management, information science, digital resources, research, and information technology.
This postgraduate course trains individuals on how to manage libraries, information resources, digital resource collections, databases, archive information, etc.
Duration for completing MLIS Courses varies between one year to two years according to the university.
Graduates who meet the criteria required in the university can apply. While some universities may accept candidates from any field, others may have academic requirements.
Eligibility requirements for MLIS courses usually involve completion of an accredited Bachelor’s Degree with the minimum required marks/subjects according to the university.
Yes. MLIS, or Master of Library and Information Science, is usually a postgraduate level program.
These may include library management, classification, cataloging, information retrieval, digital libraries, research methodology, library automation, information technology, archives, and documentation.
One could apply for positions such as librarians, assistant librarians, information officers, documentation officers, archivists, digital librarians, research assistants, and knowledge management professionals.
Yes. One could get a job in the government sector as well, including libraries, institutions of education and research, archives, etc. provided he/she fulfills the requirement of particular jobs.
Yes. Digital libraries are an important subject matter of information science. One could work with electronic resources, repository, metadata, digitization, information retrieval, and digital libraries.
There are certain universities or institutions which offer MLIS through distance or online mode. It is recommended for the students to verify the accreditation of the course.
The salary will vary depending on various parameters such as the position, the recruiting organization, experience level, etc. The typical starting salary will range from ₹2 to ₹4 lakh per year.
It is a good career option for those students who have passion to work in the domain of libraries, information management, research, education, documentation and digitization.
Computer knowledge, communication skills, research skills, information searching skills, organizational skills, cataloging skills, database skills, digital library skills, etc. are some of the important skills.
Yes. On the basis of certain criteria, the students can opt for research and doctoral programs in Library and Information Science or related areas.
The MLIS course is a postgraduate course for those aspirants who have interest in building their careers in the field of library services, information management, research, archives, documentation and digital information systems. The full form of MLIS is Master of Library and Information Science, which represents the integration of the old library practice with the new information technologies. MLIS course duration is of one to two years but the criteria and charges differ from one institute to other. It is advisable for the aspirants to go through MLIS Eligibility, course curriculum, MLIS Recognition, admission process and charges prior to choosing an institute. Due to the advancement in the field of digital resources, libraries have shifted their focus from books to electronic journals, databases, digital repositories, institutional records, archives and information systems, hence providing more scope than librarian jobs. This course suits those students who like organising the information, guiding people about the source of reliable information, using technology and having interest in academic and research environment. Having proper knowledge about MLIS Eligibility and Career Scope prior to taking admissions is advantageous to aspirants.