Library & Information Science: Full form, Admission 2023, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Salary

Jasmine Dang AroraDeputy Manager-Content
Library and Information Science (LIB Sc or LIS) is a joint term that is associated with the library and information science. Library and Information Science is generally viewed as a field that started as a multidisciplinary field based on Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Management, Computer Science, etc. It is an interdisciplinary domain that is concerned with the creation, management, and use of its information in all forms that are presently known to man. Library and Information Science is taught in various universities and colleges at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Library and Information Science courses can be completed in a duration of one to three years. A student can also pursue Ph.D. in Library and Information Science to gain advanced knowledge of LIS. The fees of these courses range between INR 2,000 to INR 7 lakh. Some of the popular entrance exams are the SAT, JMI Entrance Exam, IIMC Entrance Exam, JNUEE, AMU Entrance Exam, etc.
The main objective of Library and Information Science is to bring together a variety of theoretical approaches. After completing Lib.I.Sc course, the graduates can find job opportunities in the areas of archiving, cataloging, indexing, information architecture, research, metadata architecture, etc. They can earn an average salary ranging from INR 3 lakh to 4 lakh.
Latest Updates:
DU, JNU, BHU, BBAU PhD entrance exam 2023 registration deadline extended to September 22
Delhi University NCWEB 4th Cut-Off List 2023 out at du.ac.in
- Library and Information Science Course Highlights
- All About Library and Information Science
- 2.1 Why Study Library and Information Science?
- Library and Information Science Courses Eligibility
- Library and Information Science Entrance Exams 2023
- Syllabus for Library and Information Sciences
- Top Colleges for Library and Information Science
- 6.1 Top Private Colleges for Library and Information Science
- 6.2 Top Government Colleges for Library and Information Science Courses
- Library and Information Science Career: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- 7.1 Library and Information Science Job Profiles
- Top Recruiters in Library and Information Science
- Library and Information Science FAQs
Library and Information Science Course Highlights
Students interested in managing printed materials, records, images, audiovisual assets, and ephemera can join Library and Information Science programme. Interested students can check the table below to know the key highlights of the course.
Features |
Details |
---|---|
Course Level |
UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, PhD |
Full Form |
Library and Information Science |
Duration |
1-3 Years |
Admission Process |
Direct Admission/ Merit-based/ Entrance-based |
Mode of Study |
Regular, Part-Time, Distance Learning |
Entrance Exams |
CUET, JMI Entrance Test, JNUEE, PUB DET, etc. |
Eligibility |
Varies as per the programme level |
Course Fee |
INR 20,000 to INR 2 lakh |
Average Salary Offered |
Up to INR 3-4 lakh |
Job Profiles |
Librarian, Junior Information Analyst, Information Architect, Library Attendant, Integrated Library System Application Specialist and others |
Top Recruiting Areas |
Government offices, government libraries, private sectors, educational institutes, etc. |
Also Read:
20 Best Courses after the 12th for Arts and Humanities Students
All About Library and Information Science
Library and Information Science provides understanding of Library Science, its principles, Laws and Social Impact. Librarians, bridge the gap between people, information, and technology. They serve the needs of selected user groups, and how information is stored, evaluated, and applied.
Students can pursue a Diploma, B Lib Sc, M Lib Sc as well as a PhD programme in Library and Information Science. It can be pursued as a full-time regular course from universities like Panjab University, Aligarh Muslim University, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, etc, or as a distance learning course from NIMS, Rajasthan, Lovely Professional University, Annamalai University, Chennai
Why Study Library and Information Science?
Library Science is basically a field of study that teaches how to manage books and other materials in a library. Students can opt for Library and Information Science due to the below-mentioned reasons:
Career Opportunities: Wide-range job options in libraries, archives, information centers, and allied sectors are made possible with an Library and Information Science degree. Among other jobs, you could be a knowledge manager, information specialist, archivist, or librarian.
Managing and Providing Information: Managing and organising information properly is essential in the information-rich digital age. With the help of this degree, you will be able to assist people and organisations in efficiently accessing the information they require.
Promotes Literacy: By providing resources, conducting research, and encouraging lifelong learning, librarians play an important part in promoting literacy and education. You can have a big effect in this sector if you're passionate about spreading information and education.
Also Read:
Bachelor of Library Science Course Details
Library and Information Science Courses Eligibility
Candidates can pursue Diploma, UG, PG or doctoral programme in Library and Information Science.
Course |
Duration |
Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Diploma in Library and Information Science |
1-Year |
Students can pursue this course after 10+2 with 50 per cent marks. |
1-Year |
Students take the course after completing their graduation in any discipline with 50 per cent marks from a recognised university. | |
1-Year |
The candidate needs to have done their Bachelor in Library Science (BLibSc) in order to get admission in MLibSc. The student must have secured a minimum of 45% in aggregate to be eligible, which should be from a recognised university. | |
2-Year |
The student must have secured a minimum of 45% in aggregate to be eligible, which should be from a recognised university. | |
PhD in Library and Information Science |
2-3 Years |
Candidates must have completed their PG degree or M.Phil in relevant discipline from a recognized university to be eligible to pursue a PhD in LIS. They must have a minimum aggregate of 55% in the respective master’s degree course. For SC/ST candidates, there is a relaxation of marks available, they need to have at least 50% aggregate score. |
Library and Information Science Entrance Exams 2023
Those who desire to pursue a profession in library science can enrol in the Master of Library and Information Science programme. The eligibility criteria for admission to the programme differ in every college. Some colleges provide admission on the basis of entrance exams mentioned below, while ome offer admission on the basis of merit. Students need to appear in the below-mentioned entrance tests:
Name of Entrance Exam | Registration Details | Exam Details |
---|---|---|
YCMOU | Closed | Held in May (Check Exam Schedule) |
CUET | Closed | Held in June |
JNUEE | Closed | Held in May |
JMI Entrance Test | Closed | Held in April |
PUB DET | Closed | Held in May |
Also Read:
Entrance Exams for Library and Information Science
Syllabus for Library and Information Sciences
Students who opt to pursue Library and Information Science courses need to study some basic subjects. Given below is a semester-wise overview of subjects taught in two-year duration MLibISc course:
Semester | Syllabus |
---|---|
Semester-1 |
|
Semester-2 |
|
Semester-3 |
|
Semester-4 |
|
Also Read:
BSc in Library and Information Science Syllabus
Top Colleges for Library and Information Science
Library and Information Science is a course that can be completed in maximum of three years duration. It is offered at different universities and colleges in India. Every year, students compete for seats in the top private and government colleges offering this course. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.
Top Private Colleges for Library and Information Science
The list of top private colleges offering Library Science courses are:
Name of College | Fees (in INR) |
---|---|
Amity University, Noida | INR 84,000-INR 13 lakh |
Adamas University, Kolkata | INR 1-INR 4 lakh |
Christ University, Bangalore | INR 30,000-INR 6 lakh |
Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore | INR 11,000-INR 2 lakh |
Loyola College, Chennai | INR 45,000-INR 1 lakh |
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore | INR 1 lakh-INR 4 lakh |
Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai | INR 30,000-INR 97,000 |
Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune | INR 77,000-INR 2 lakh |
Stella Maris College, Chennai | INR 54,000-INR 2 lakh |
St. Joseph's University, Bangalore | INR 96,000- INR 3 lakh |
Top Government Colleges for Library and Information Science Courses
The course can also be pursued by government colleges. The fees of government colleges are quite reasonable in comparison to the private colleges. Students can have a look at the table below to know the renowned institutes and their fees.
Name of College | Fees (in INR) |
---|---|
Daulat Ram College, Delhi | INR 35,000-INR 62,000 |
Gargi College, Delhi | INR 24,000-INR 49,000 |
Hindu College, Delhi | INR 36,000-INR 53,000 |
Hansraj College, Delhi | INR 432-INR 15,000 |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi | INR 2,000-INR 67,000 |
Miranda House, Delhi | INR 17,000-INR 51,000 |
Madras Christian College, Chennai | INR 56,000-INR 63,000 |
Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak | INR 800-INR 30,000 |
Ramjas College, Delhi | INR 17,000-INR 52,000 |
T C Business School, Jaipur | INR 44,000 |
Also Read:
Top Colleges for Library Information Sciences
Library and Information Science Career: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
Library and Information Science course provides career opportunities in schools, colleges and big institutions as well as national and state libraries. It is considered a good career path for many with an interest in the collection, management and organisation of books and other library resources.
After completing graduation, students can pursue higher studies in the same field for advanced knowledge and exposure. They can also opt for higher studies abroad. In abroad, individuals with a degree in Library and Information Science get job offers in national museums and historical libraries as a librarian, digital architect, analyst, etc. The candidates can also sit for civil service examinations after completing their graduation in Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc).
Library and Information Science Job Profiles
Students can get jobs both in the private and government sectors. They can also easily get an option for further research in the same field of education. Also, they can get an opportunity of Assistant Professorship or Lectureship in top-notch colleges and universities. One can earn around INR 3 to 6 LPA after completing a course in Library and Information Science.
Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
---|---|
Professor |
INR 6.1 LPA |
Cataloguer |
INR 5.8 LPA |
Deputy Librarian |
INR 8.2 LPA |
Academic Librarian |
INR 3.8 LPA |
Electronic Resources Librarian |
INR 12 LPA |
Junior / Assistant Librarian |
INR 3 LPA |
Librarian |
INR 4 LPA |
Teacher Librarian |
INR 5.4 LPA |
Top Recruiters in Library and Information Science
Candidates of library courses can find employment in a variety of industries, including news agencies, public and private libraries, museums and galleries with reading rooms and research facilities, and photo and film libraries. Major recruiters for candidates who have a degree in Library and Information Sciences course are mentioned below.
Top Recruiters for Library and Information Science |
|
---|---|
Newspaper agencies |
National Level Documentation Centers |
News channels | Libraries of Radio Stations |
WHO | UNESCO |
National Museum and Archives |
World Bank |
Read More:
Library and Information Science FAQs
Q. Is Library and Information Science a good career?
A. Yes, Library and Information Science is an impressive career. Students pursuing an Library and Information Sciences degree gain knowledge of a range of topics related to library and information administration, such as cataloguing, information organisation, retrieval of data, collection management, digital libraries, and information technology. It also open doors for students to venture into the research field in the same. The graduates can earn an average salary between INR 4 to 6 lakh.
Q. What are the top entrance exams for library courses?
A. Library and Information Science courses can be studied as full-time, part-time, or distance learning. Students can sit for various entrance examinations that are conducted by the universities. Some of the entrance exams have been listed below:
Q. What are the employment areas in Library and Information Science?
A. One can become a librarian, academic librarian, research analyst, digital archivist, information analyst or even work in historical museums after completing a course in Library and Information Sciences.
-
National and State Libraries
-
Various universities
-
Schools
-
Colleges
-
Institutions
-
Tata Consultancy Services
-
Lawyers association
Q. Can a student pursue Diploma in Library and Information Science?
A. Students who have successfully cleared 10+2 with 50% marks will be able to pursue a Diploma in Library and Information Science. The fee structure ranges between INR 3,000 to Rs 60,000 depending upon the college and university.
Kishori Raman PG College, Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Adesh University, etc, are among some of the top colleges that offer the course. After successfully completing the course, students can become Librarian, Library Assistant, Assistant Librarian Integrated Library System Administrator, Library Services, Manager, Outreach Librarian, Director Of Content Acquisition, etc.
Q. Which are the popular job profiles after completing BLibSc?
A. Some of the job profiles are Librarian, Library Assistant, Law Librarian, Deputy Librarian, Assistant Professor, etc. Students can see the table below to know the average annual salary of each job profile:
Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
---|---|
Deputy Librarian |
INR 8.2 LPA |
Academic Librarian |
INR 3.8 LPA |
Professor |
INR 6.1 LPA |
Cataloguer |
INR 5.8 LPA |
Electronic Resources Librarian |
INR 12 LPA |
Junior / Assistant Librarian |
INR 3 LPA |
Librarian |
INR 4 LPA |
Teacher Librarian |
INR 5.4 LPA |
Q. Can I do PhD in Library and Information Science?
A. Yes, students can pursue PhD in Library and Information Science, if they fulfill the eligibility and clear the entrance exam UGC NET, GATE, JEST, etc. Aspirants can check the table below to know the eligibility, fees, admission process, fees, and salary of PhD courses:
Features | Details |
---|---|
Eligibility | Passed Master's degree course with 50% marks |
Course Duration | 2-3 years |
Admission Process | Entrance-based |
Course Fee | INR 25,000 |
Average Salary | INR 3 LPA to INR 25 LPA |
Mode of study | Offline |
Top Exams | UGC NET, CSIR NEt, SLET, etc |
Top Colleges | KUK, Panjab University, Osmania University, etc |
Q. What is the scope of Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences?
A. B.Lib.I.Sc is a one-year course that is divided into two semesters. The course mainly deals with the preservation and maintenance of libraries. All the interested candidates need to complete their Bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50-55% marks to pursue this one-year course.
Some colleges also require students to sit for an entrance examination before they qualify for admission to that particular college. Given below are some highlights of B. Lib. Sc:
Features | Details |
---|---|
Eligibility | Passed Bachelor degree course with 50% marks |
Course Duration | 1 year |
Admission Process | Direct admission/ Merit-based/ Entrance-based |
Course Fee | INR 2,000 to INR 50,000 |
Average Salary | INR 1.5 LPA to INR 6 LPA |
Mode of study | Offline |
Top Exams | AMU entrance test, University of Calcutta BLIS Entrance Exam |
Top Colleges | JMI, AMU, Panjab University, Jadavpur University, etc |
Q. What is Master of Library and Information Sciences?
A. Given below are some highlights of MLibSc:
Features | Details |
---|---|
Eligibility | Passed Bachelor degree course with 50-60%% marks |
Course Duration | 1-3 year |
Admission Process | Direct admission/ Merit-based/ Entrance-based |
Course Fee | INR 10,000 |
Average Salary | INR 3 LPA |
Entrance Exams | CUET, JMI Entrance Test, JNUEE, PUB DET, etc. |
Mode of study | Offline |
Top Exams | Panjab University, Osmania University, IGNOU |
Top Colleges | BHU, Jadavpur University, JMI, DU, SPPU, etc |
Q. What is the admission process for Library and Information Sciences?
A. Candidates need to follow the below-mentioned steps which are as follows:
Look for University offering a Course in Library and Information Science: The first step one needs to make is to find out which universities are offering BLibSc or MLibSc. Check the eligibility criteria, seats offered, fees and details.
Apply for the Course: Candidates then need to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.
Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit.
Results: Selected candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission if appearing for an entrance exam.
Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.
Q. What are the different courses in Library and Information Science?
A. Students can see the points below to know the different levels of courses in Library and Information Sciences:
BLibSc: A Bachelor of Library Science (BLibSc) is a one-year degree that is offered by various universities and colleges. Students take the course after completing their graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. Students should have secured a minimum of 50% in their graduation.
MLibSc: A Master of Library Science (MLibSc) is a one-year degree that deals with advanced library principles and information science and practices. The candidate needs to have done their Bachelor in Library Science (BLibSc) in order to get admission in MLibSc. The student must have secured a minimum of 45% in aggregate to be eligible, which should be from a recognised university.
MLib: The course is offered as a full-time regular course with 1-2 years of duration. It lays more emphasis on the research and teaching skills of the aspirant.
PhD in Library and Information Science: The course duration is 2-3 years. Candidates must have completed their PG degree or M.Phil in relevant discipline from a recognized university to be eligible to pursue a PhD in LIS. They must have a minimum aggregate of 55% in the respective master’s degree course.
Q. Which are the popular colleges offering Library and Information Science courses?
A. Some of the popular colleges offering Library and Information Science courses are:
Popular Colleges for Library and Information Science |
|
---|---|
Popular Library & Information Science Colleges in India
Popular Private Library & Information Science Colleges in India
Library & Information Science Applications open. Apply Now
Library & Information Science Applications open. Apply Now
Most Popular Courses
Popular Library & Information Science UG Courses in India
UG Courses
- B.Lib.I.Sc.
320 Colleges
- B.Lib.Sc.
128 Colleges
- UG Diploma
57 Colleges
- B.A.
22 Colleges
- B.Sc.
3 Colleges
Popular Library & Information Science PG Courses in India
PG Courses
- M.Lib.I.Sc.
232 Colleges
- M.Lib.Sc.
114 Colleges
- PG Diploma
27 Colleges
- M.A.
10 Colleges
- M.Sc.
4 Colleges
Popular Library & Information Science Specializations in India
Popular Specializations
- English
4 Colleges
- Biochemistry
3 Colleges
- Biotechnology
3 Colleges
- Botany
3 Colleges
- Home Science
3 Colleges
- Microbiology
3 Colleges
- Physics
3 Colleges
- Zoology
3 Colleges
- Ayurved
2 Colleges
- Biotechnology Engineering
2 Colleges
News & Updates
Oct 18, 2023
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
Yes you can apply for commerce but it is totaly different for you because in commerce you will only study on account basis
K
Answered 2 months ago
Total course fee of B Lib is INR 25,800.
M
Answered 2 months ago
Student must have completed graduation in any stream and the admission will be based on merit.
M
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 61k Colleges
- 933 Exams
- 471k Reviews
- 1100k Answers
Can I apply for commerce courses? If I have completed 12th in Science stream