M.Lib.I.Sc. (Master of Library & Information Science): Course, Admission, Fees, Syllabus, Scope

M.Lib.I.Sc or MLIS (Master of Library & Information Science) is a postgraduate course that incorporates the advanced study of principles and practices of library & information science along with the current technologies applied to these processes. In this programme, students are taught information science and library management skills.

Master of Library & Information Science mainly comprises subjects like information systems & technology, collection management, research method, classification, and cataloguing. Topics like preservation, statistics, database management, reference, information architecture, and knowledge management are also covered in this M.Lib.I.Sc course.

Master of Library & Information Science focuses on the handling of information and access to all types of information other than only library-associated activities. It is a one-year postgraduate course, however, some institutes also offer it for two years. The maximum and minimum duration of this course can differ depending on the numerous institutes.

M.Lib.I.Sc. Highlights

Master of Library & Information Science Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for an M.Lib.I.Sc degree slightly varies from institute to institute. The M.Lib.I.Sc. eligibility criteria for candidates are mentioned below:

• The basic educational eligibility criteria for candidates is being graduated with any relevant stream from any recognised university within India.
• Candidates are required to have a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent- 60 per cent in a bachelor’s degree.
• Candidates with a graduation degree in B.Lib.Sc (Bachelor of Library Science) and Bachelor of Library & Information Science are given more preference.

Master of Library & Information Science Admission Procedure

Candidates are required to complete some procedures before starting their study of M.Lib.I.Sc. in any college within India. Listed below are steps that candidates must take for Master of Library & Information Science admission.

• The first step to apply for admission is to fill in the application form from the college website.
• If the college provides admission based on merit, the application forms are reviewed by the admissions committee, and the list of candidates suitable for the course is released based on which students are admitted.
• The students can pay the admission fee to finalise the admission.
• However, if admission is provided based on the entrance examination, students are first required to fill in the registration form for the required exam.
• Students will then have to appear for the examination.
• Based on exam results, a merit list is released. Students who qualify for the examination can then pay the tuition fee to secure their spot.
• Many colleges offer direct admission in courses, however, the eligibility criteria for direct admission changes for every college. So, an aspirant must always analyse criteria before going into the tedious admission process.

Top MLIS/M.Lib.I.Sc. Entrance Exams

Not every college conducts an entrance examination for admission in the Master of Library & Information Science course. Merit and direct admission are preferred for this programme. However, some entrance exams provide admission to this course.

Skills Required for Master of Library & Information Science

To excel academically and professionally, candidates pursuing M.Lib.I.Sc programmes need to have a specific set of competencies. Some of the required competencies are included in the list below:

• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership skill
• Communication skills
• Organisation Skills
• Presentation Skills

Master's Degree in Library and Information Science Syllabus

M.Lib.I.Sc is a two-year postgraduate degree and candidates can choose to gain in-depth knowledge of this course. It includes varied subjects which are mentioned in the table below:

Master of Library & Information Science Fees

Private and public universities charge various prices for this course. In general, private colleges and universities are more costly than those that are administered by the government. The average M.Lib.I.Sc fee varies from Rs. 5,900 to Rs. 2.4 lakhs.

Scope of Library and Information Science Masters Programs

There are numerous career prospects available for master's in Library and Information Science graduates. They can go to various sectors to gain work experience or can also go for higher studies in the same field. They usually work in the library, universities, and schools. They can also work as librarian, counsellor, or a career consultant.

Master's Degree in Library and Information Science Careers Options

After completing their M.Lib.I.Sc. course, candidates are offered different job opportunities. Some popular job profiles that candidates might land after completing their M.Lib.I.Sc. are as mentioned below:

Benefits of Pursuing an MLIS Degree

Pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science offers several benefits such as specialised knowledge. Candidates gain in-depth knowledge of library science, information management, and archival studies, which can help them manage and organise information more effectively.

M.Lib.I.Sc offers a variety of careers in libraries, information centres, research institutions, and digital information management. Positions can range from librarians and information officers to archivists and data managers. The degree provides professional development and specialisation in areas such as digital libraries and metadata.

M.Lib.I.Sc Degree Salary

Same for every field, the remuneration of an individual depends upon their capabilities and skills. The salary also depends on some more factors like tenure and achievement of an employee in an organisation or company. It also changes for every job profile. Mentioned below are job profiles with a salary reference.

Source: Payscale, Ambition Box

Note: Salary may vary depending on various circumstances.

Top Recruiters

• News Agencies
• Foreign Embassies
• Public and Private Libraries
• Documentation Centres
• Film Libraries

Top Private M.Lib.I.Sc Colleges in India with Fees

Many private Indian institutions offer Master of Library & Information Science courses. The cost of private institutions is somewhat higher than that of government institutions. The best universities and colleges offering M.Lib.I.Sc. are listed below, along with the associated costs:

Top Government M.Lib.I.Sc / MLIS Colleges in India with Fees

Attending a government-run college is less expensive than going to a private one. The following table lists some of the best government institutions that provide M.Lib.I.Sc. along with their associated costs:

A Master of Library and Information Science is a postgraduate-level degree programme. Numerous universities and colleges offer M.Lib.I.Sc. programme to candidates having a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as B.Lib.I.Sc.