LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of the premier institutions in the country providing Library and Information Science (LIS) courses through distance mode. It has introduced many innovative ways and means of providing distance learning packages to the learners. The LIS courses offered by IGNOU are quite popular and they have set a new trend of multi-media based LIS education in the country. The multi-media approach of instruction followed by the University comprises:

Self-instructional printed course material packages
  • Assignments for assessment and feedback
  • Supporting audio-video programmes
  • Face-to-face interaction with academic counsellors at Study Centers
  • Practical work at designated institutions
  • Telecast of Video Programmes on National Network DD1 and Gyan Darshan
  • Broadcast of Audio Programmes by All India Radio (Selected Stations)
  • Teleconference sessions through Gyan Darshan
  • Interactive Radio Counselling Programmes

 

Library and Information Science Programmes

Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science (BLIS)

Objectives

In response to the demand for a large number of trained personnel in libraries, documentation and information centers, for various positions particularly medium and junior level positions, the University launched its Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science Programme (BLIS) in 1989. To keep pace with the changing dimension of the subject, particularly in relation to the application of Information Technology (IT), the programme has been completely revised in 2000. The Hindi version of the Programme has been launched in 2003.

Medium of Instruction

The programme is being offered in English as well as in Hindi language.

 

Eligibility

 

The programme is open to either of the following :

• Graduates with at least 50% marks.

• Graduates with Diploma in Library Science from a recognised institution.

• Graduates with 2 years of working experience in Library and Information Centres.

• Bachelor’s Degree in any professional area         (viz., Engineering, Medicine, Law, etc.)

Duration

The programme can be completed in a minimum period of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years.

Credit System

The BLIS programme is of 36 credits spread over 9 courses. One credit involves 30 hours of study by the students. So a student has to devote 120 hours of study in completing a 4 credits for a course. A student may decide how many courses he/she would like to pursue in a year by calculating how much time can be spent in a year. This provides an unique opportunity to the learners to complete the programme according to his/her own convenience.

Evaluation

The important feature of the programme is continuous evaluation through assignments and practicals, followed by term-end examination. The term-end examination is held in June and December every year to facilitate the students to take the examination according to their convenience.

Instructional/Delivery System

The Bachelor’s Degree Programme delivery system adopts multiple media approach such as, self instructional print materials, audio-video, assignments, counselling sessions, practical work, teleconferencing and interactive radio counselling. The counselling sessions are conducted through a number of study centres spread all over the country. The Study Centres are also located in the countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Dubai, Kuwait , etc.

Fee Structure

The fee for the programme is Rs.4,400.

Programme Structure

The BLIS programme comprises 9 courses of which 7 are devoted to theoretical aspects and 2 are meant for practicals.

 

Syllabus

BLIS-01 - Library and Society

BLIS-02 - Library Management

BLIS-03 - Library Classification Theory

BLIS-03P : Library Classification Practice

BLIS-04 - Library Cataloguing Theory

BLIS-04P - Library Cataloguing Practice

BLIS-05 - Reference and Information Sources

BLIS-06 - Information Services

BLIS-07 - Information Technology : Basics

 

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Objectives  Keeping in view the need for quality professionals capable of holding senior level positions in Library, Information Institutions, Universities, etc. and also to build up efficient information intermediaries, the University launched its Master’s Degree Programme in Library and Information Science (MLIS) in 1994. The revised version of the programme was launched from July 2005. Information is a pervasive element in contemporary society, the development of which will depend upon the future shape of information services particularly with the usage of Information Communication Technologies. To this end in view, the MLIS programme has been launched wherein  information access, processing, organization and dissemination are the core components. Unlike the MLIS Courses of other Universities, MLIS programme puts emphasis on handling and access to information in all forms rather than the conventional library activities. The popularity of the course has resulted in spreading its wing to other countries also like Mauritius, Dubai, Kuwait, etc.

Medium of Instruction

The Programme is offered in English.

 

Eligibility  

The programme is available to the candidates who have BLIS Degree or its equivalent from any recognized university and similar institutions.

Duration

The programme can be completed in a minimum period of 1 year and a maximum period of 4 years.

Credit System  

The MLIS programme comprises 36 credits. Each course has weightage of 4 credits. One credit involves 30 hours of study by the students. Thus, for completing one course a student has to put in 120 hours of study. He/she can decide how many courses can be pursued in a year, thus providing flexibility in course completion.

 

Programme Structure

 The 36 credit programme comprises 6 core courses, one project and 2 electives (to be selected out of 6 electives being offered now).

Special Features of MLIS Programme

 The special features of the programme is its excellent study materials developed by the experts in the country and have been prepared not only by the specialists and experienced librarians but also specialists in computer, communication and media technologies. The material is utilized by many Universities as text books. The other feature of the programme is to offer compulsory Practical and Seminar components which envisages to develop the communication skills of the students.

Evaluation System

The MLIS Programme adopts continuous evaluation system through assignments, practical work,  seminars and term-end examination. The term-end examination is held twice - June and December every year to facilitate the students to complete the courses according to their convenience.

Fee Structure

 The fees for the Programme is Rs.8,000.

Syllabus

 The Programme has been designed and developed keeping in view the handling of information rather than library materials as a whole. The programme consists of 6 core courses one project and 6 electives (out of which 2 have to be selected).

 Core Courses

 

MLI-101: Information, Communication and Society

MLII-101: Information Sources, Systems and Services

MLIL-102: Information Processing and Retrieval

MLI-102: Management of Library and Information Centres

MLII-103: Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies

MLI-104: Information Communication Technologies: Application

MLIP-002:  Project Electives

MLIE-101: Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials (Elective)

MLIE-102: Research Methodology (Elective)

MLIE-103: Academic Library System (Elective)

MLIE-104: Technical Writing (Elective)

MLIE-105: Scientometrics and Informetrics (Elective)

MLIE-106: Public Library System and Services (Elective)

 

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) Online

LIVE (Library and Information Virtual Education) is an initiative of IGNOU to develop in-house Learning & Content Management System for imparting online education. It is envisaged as a complete virtual learning environment suite covering all the activities from registration to certification. The virtual learning environment has the following features: 

  • Walk in admission
  • Integrated multimedia courseware
  • Online counseling and mentoring
  • 24×7 learner support
  • Portfolio based continuous evaluation
  • Assignment Management System
  • E-tutor based practical
  • Group based online seminar
  • Online Project platform
  • Online Term End Examination
    Post Graduate Diploma In Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN)

The Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN) aims at developing the professional competencies of the library and information professionals in an automated and networked environment. The programme also provides opportunities for in-depth or intensive practical to enhance technological skills of the learners to independently develop or manage a computerized library and information center.

Duration

The minimum duration of the Programme is one year.  However, maximum period allowed for completion of the programme is four years.

Eligibility

The programme is open to candidates with Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science(BLIS).

Programme Fee

Rs 13,,200.

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction of PGDLAN programme is English only.

Programme Structure

The programme is essentially a judicious mix of theory and practical components to develop technology based knowledge, skills and aptitude of library and information professionals. The 32 credit programme comprises 7 theory and practical courses and a project. The courses are:

Course Code   Course Title                                                               

MLI-001           Introduction to Computers
MLIL-001          Practical
MLI-002           Library Automation
MLIL-002         Practical
MLI-003           Information Systems
MLIL-003         Practical
MLI-004           Networking and Internet Technology
MLIL-004         Practical
MLI-005           Internet Resources
MLIL-005         Practical
MLI-006           Content Development
MLIL-006         Practical
MLI-007           Programming
MLIL-007         Practical
MLIP-008         Project

Evaluation System

 The PGDLAN Programme adopts continuous evaluation system through assignments, practical work,   and term-end examination. The term-end examination is held twice - June and December every year to facilitate the students to complete the courses according to their convenience.

Ph.D in Library and Information Science

To facilitate the research work in the field of library and information science, particularly in the context of open and distance learning, the Ph.D. in Library and Information Science has been launched in 2002 in response to the demand from the various groups of learners and different agencies.

Future Programme

The Discipline is committed to offer newer programmes/courses with development of skills in information handling with ICT applications to commensurate with the changing scenario of the employment market. The faculty envisages development of new degree programmes encompassing handling of information in various environments, short term programmes in different aspects of library and information activities, as well as, undertaking the revision of existing programmes from time to time.