Library & Information Science

Library and Information Science (LIB Sc or LIS) is a joint term that is associated with the library and information science. It Is an interdisciplinary domain that is concerned with the creation, management and uses of its information in all forms which are presently known to man. Library and Information Science is taught in various universities and colleges at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A student can also pursue PhD in the same to gain advanced knowledge of LIS. The main objective of Library and Information Science is that it brings together a variety of theoretical approaches. Beginning in the last 1960s, Library and Information Science was earlier known as Documentation, which means allowing access to the collection of materials or information as known.

What is 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. Through the courses, one understands the 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, how information is stored, evaluated and applied.

The course imparts knowledge on library management practices over information technology, management tools, education etc. 

Students can pursue Diploma, B Lib Sc, M Lib Sc as well as PhD programme in Library and Information Science. It can be pursued as a full-time regular course from universities like JMI, AMU, Panjab University, etc, or as a distance learning course from IGNOU, LPU or NIMS, Rajasthan.

Library and Information Science Course Overview

Given below is the table indicating key highlights of the Library and Information Science course:

Features	Details
Course Name	LIS
LIS Full Form	Library and Information Science
Course Level	Diploma, UG, PG, PhD
Course Duration	Between 1 and 3 years
LIS Course Fee	Rs 2K to 7 lakh (Depends upon the type of institution)
Admission Process	Direct Admission/ Merit-based/ Entrance-based
Mode of Study	Regular, Part-Time, Distance Learning
Top LIS Entrance Exams	Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam, UGC NET, CSIR NET, etc.
Top LIS Colleges	JMI, AMU, Jadavpur University, KUK, BHU, SPPU, DU, etc

Courses Offered in Library and Information Science

Candidates can pursue Diploma, UG, PG or doctoral programme in Library and Information Science.

Course	Duration
Diploma in Library and Information Science	1-Year
BLibSc	1-Year
MILibSc	1-Year
MLibSc	2-Year
PhD in Library and Information Science	2-3 Years

Diploma in Library and Information Science

Students who have successfully cleared 10+2 with 50% marks will be able to pursue Diploma in Library and Information Science. The fee structure ranges between Rs 2,750 to Rs 53,000 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.

Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science

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 tp pursue this one-year course. Some colleges also require the 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	Rs 2K to 50K
Average Salary	Rs 1.5 LPA to 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

Masters' degree in Library and Information Science

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	Rs 10K
Average Salary	Rs 3 LPA
Mode of study	Offline
Top Exams	Panjab University, Osmania University, IGNOU
Top Colleges	BHU, Jadavpur University, JMI, DU, SPPU, etc

PhD in Library and Information Science

Given below are some highlights of PhD in LibSc:

Features	Details
Eligibility	Passed Master's degree course with 50% marks
Course Duration	2-3 years
Admission Process	Entrance-based
Course Fee	Rs 25K
Average Salary	Rs 3 LPA to 25 LPA
Mode of study	Offline
Top Exams	UGC NET, CSIR NEt, SLET, etc
Top Colleges	KUK, Panjab University, Osmania University, etc

Library and Information Science Eligibility Criteria

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 which 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. For SC/ST candidates, there is a relaxation of marks available, they need to have at least 50% aggregate score. Moreover, candidates having a minimum of five years of experience in the teaching profession or administration industry are also eligible for this course study. The aspirants need to pass the common entrance examination conducted by the university. 

Library and Information Science: Distance Learning

Lib Sc is also offered as a distance learning course. Students can pursue the same from top-rated universities. They will be able to pursue their studies even while they are working. The course duration varies from 1 year to 3 years. Some of the universities/institutes include:

• IGNOU
• NIMS, Rajasthan
• Lovely Professional University
• Annamalai University, Chennai

Required Skillset for Library and Information Science

Students who are looking to pursue a career in Library and Information Science, have to have the required skills.

Patient	Calm & Collected
Digital Literacy	Communication Skills
Organisational Skills	Creative
Think Analytically	Knowledgeable
Curious	Research Skills
Problem Solving Skills	Eye for Detail

Library and Information Science Admission Process

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.

Library and Information Science: Top Entrance Exams

The course is offered as a full-time as well as a part-time or distance learning course. Students can sit for various entrance examinations that are conducted by the universities. Some of the entrance exams have been listed below:

• AMU Entrance Exam
• University of Calcutta BLIS Entrance Exam
• Pondicherry University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam
• Osmania University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam
• Mangalore University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam
• Shivaji University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam
• Punjab University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam
• UGC NET
• CSIR NET

Syllabus for Library and Information Science

Library, Information & Society	Library Classification (Theory)
Library Classification (Practical)	Library Cataloguing (Theory)
Library Cataloguing (Practical)	Library Management & Information Centres
Information Sources & Services	Library Information Technology
Project Work: Literature and Field Survey

Colleges Offering Library and Information Science

Delhi University	Panjab University
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University
Magadh University	Rabindranath Tagore University
AMU	SPPU
DPG Degree College - DPGDC	Sardar Patel University
Apex University	Kurukshetra University

Library and Information Science: Career Scope

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]. 

Besides that, students can also opt for highly-paid government sector jobs through various competitive examinations. They can also easily get an option for further research in the same field of education

Moreover, they can get an opportunity of assistant professorship or lectureship in top-notch colleges and universities. 

One can earn around 3 to 6 LPA after completing a course in Library and Information Science.

Job Profiles in Library and Information Science

Archivist	Cataloguer
Consultant	Curator
Deputy Librarian	Library Director
Electronic Resources Librarian	IT Department
Indexer	Information Architect
Library Assistant	Library Science Teacher
Law Librarian	Teacher

Top Recruiters in Library and Information Science

• National and State Libraries

• Various universities

• Schools

• Colleges

• Institutions

• Tata Consultancy Services

• Lawyers association

FAQs related to Library and Information Science

Q. Is Library and Information Science a good career?

Q. Is doing a librarian course worth it in India?

Q. What can I do with Library and Information Science?

Q. Which are the top colleges to pursue Lib Sc?

Q. Which are the popular job profiles after completing B Lib Sc?

Q. Which are the popular job profiles after completing M Lib Sc?

Following are the most popular Library & Information Science Colleges in India. Learn more about these Library & Information Science colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular Library & Information Science courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Library & Information Science.

Following are the most popular Library & Information Science UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Library & Information Science PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Library & Information Science Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.