What is M.Lib.I.Sc. : Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

The M.Lib.Sc course full form is Master of Library and Information Science course. It is a 1-2 year degree that is pursued by students after they have completed their undergraduate degree. M.Lib.I.Sc courses offer specialised knowledge in the study of library Science and the processes, and administration of public libraries. 

A Master of Library and Information Science is a postgraduate degree, that teaches students the theory and practice of information Science and library science, this degree mainly focuses on Information Management and combines library science, an applied information science, with other academic disciplines.

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree programme usually takes one to two years, depending on the University and the mode of study ( full time, part-time, or Distance learning).

Library Science is a field of study that teaches how to manage books and other materials in a library. There are many benefits of pursuing an M.Lib.I.Sc course, like:

• Job Opportunities: Wide-ranging job options in libraries, archives, information centers, and allied sectors are made possible with an MLibISc degree. Among other jobs, you could be a knowledge manager, information specialist, archivist, or librarian. Candidates can work in libraries, archives, museums, government, or tech.
• Information Management Skills: They can learn how to organize and manage information effectively.
• Digital Proficiency: It's a great platform to learn digital tools and technologies for managing resources.
• Research and Analysis: You can gain strong research and analytical skills.

Master of Information and Library Science is also often referred to as M.LIS or M.Lib.ISc courses. Students should study Master of Library and Information Science due to the below-mentioned reasons:

• Community and Lifelong Learning: Managing and organizing information properly is essential in our information-rich, digital age. With the help of an M.Lib.I.Sc degree, students will develop skills that will be able to assist people and organizations in efficiently accessing the information they require.
• Promotion of Literacy and Education: 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.
• Skill Development: An M.Lib.I.Sc course can be very helpful for students who want to develop skills like research skills, digital proficiency, analytical skills, management of resources, etc. 

The eligibility criteria for a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme vary by institution, but generally include:

• A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or college in any stream.
• A minimum of 50% marks in the bachelor's degree is needed.
• A background in library Science may be preferred, some colleges may prefer this criterion, A BLIS degree with 45-50% marks from a recognised university.
• You may also need to meet other conditions, such as language requirements or age restrictions depends on the type of course.

Yes, students need to graduate with any stream to be eligible to pursue MLibISc. It is possible to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree in many situations without first earning a Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree.

Numerous programmes accept applicants with a variety of academic backgrounds and do not technically require an undergraduate degree in library and information Science as a requirement. It is just that students with BLibISc are given more preference than other candidates.

Yes, the candidates who have completed B.Tech or B.E. in any branch are eligible to apply for M.Lib.I.Sc course. However, some colleges may prefer candidates who have completed a Bachelor's degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science.

The eligibility for admission in the M. Lib. I. Sc. program at the School of Studies in Library and Information Science is a bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science (B. Lib. I. Sc. or B.L.I.Sc.) from any recognized University, with at least 50% marks in undergraduate programs; it may vary a little bit across different institutions. Some colleges may also have entrance tests or interviews for admission. Candidates having experience or background in library science, information management, or allied fields will be preferred. According to the reservation policies implemented by the government on categories, some of them could be applied to this college also.

A few universities/colleges conduct their university-level entrance exam/s for admission into MLibISc course. Some of them have been listed below:

1. Pondicherry University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam

2. Osmania University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam

3. Mangalore University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam

4. Shivaji University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam

5. Punjab University M. Lib.I.Sc Entrance exam

Yes, M.Lib.I.Sc is available in regular and distance modes of learning. The candidates are not required to qualify for an entrance exam to pursue the course in distance mode. Colleges provide admission based on merit or on a first come first served basis.

Given below are some colleges that offer MLibISc in distance mode:

No, to become a librarian, especially at the entry-level positions, a Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc) degree is also sufficient. This will help you get a job as a librarian in schools, public libraries, etc. But an important point to note is that many universities, research institutions, and specialised libraries always give preference to candidates who hold M.Lib.Sc for advanced roles as this course equips them with specialised skills and knowledge.

Hi!

The M.Lib.Sc courses and M.Lib.I.Sc courses are actually quite similar. While the M.Lib.Sc full form is Master of Library Science, the M.Lib.I.Sc full form is Master of Library and Information Science. The syllabus and teaching patterns are quite similar, but an M.Lib.I.Sc course is more diverse in the education of information and resource management, and retrieval, which can apply to many fields, while an M.Lib.Sc course is focused on equipping students with the necessary skills to run a library. Both M.Lib.Sc and M.Lib.I.Sc courses are great for students who want to work in a field that helps them develop skills that can be used to arrange and manage physical/digital records.

Hope this helps you! 

MLIS comprises subjects like library management, information science, digital library, Catalogues, Software concepts, information services and alike. Students can see the table below for more information: 

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree or Librarian degree is a graduate-level programme that focuses on the theory and practice of library science, information science, and related fields. The curriculum generally includes subjects like information storage and retrieval, Digital libraries, Cataloging, Database management, etc., usually of two years duration divided into four semesters.

Students can pursue M.Lib.I.Sc. course after completing their bachelor's degree in Bachelor of Library and Information Science. The M.Lib.I.Sc. course continues for a 2-year duration in most government and private colleges of India. The eligibility critetia for M.Lib.I.Sc. admission varies from different colleges.

Here are some of the most affordable colleges for M.Lib.i.Sc. course in India.

Disclaimer: The information given above is taken from external sources and may vary.

M.Lib.I.Sc. is a 2-year post-graduate course which is generally pursued by students after completing B.Lib.I.Sc. course. There are many government and private colleges in India that offer M.Lib.I.Sc. course with good placement packages and high ROI.

Here are a few M.Lib.I.Sc. colleges in India that provide the best placement packages to deserving students.

Disclaimer: The information given above is taken from external sources and may vary.

MLibISc graduates can work in the government sector, corporations, consultancies, PSUs and NGOs. Apart from these, they can also pursue jobs in other areas of employment that require the professional to have adequate knowledge of Library and Information Sciences.

After completing the course in Library and Information Science, candidates can earn up to approximately INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 per month at the start. The salary packages are also determined based on the institute or college from which the student has pursued the course. 

Students can refer to the table below to have an overview of the expected salary packages based on the job profile and years of experience:

Some of the job sectors after MLibISc include libraries, news agencies, foreign embassies, photo/ film libraries, information/ documentation centres, museums, galleries, etc. The graduates of this course can work as:

• Deputy Librarian: A deputy librarian leads the secondary library team, which provides services detailed in library policy. The professional also works in coordination with teaching staff to ensure that the library service provides proper resources to support teaching and learning throughout the school.

• Academic Librarian: An academic librarian acquires, organises, manages as well as distributes library resources to ensure that the provision of the library meets the needs of all the users.

• Electronic Resources Librarian: An electronic resources librarian is a professional who manages the life cycle of electronic resources such as e-books, databases, videos, etc. The professional is also responsible for managing serials, including ordering, maintaining and receiving serials in print and electronic formats.

• Junior /Assistant Librarian: A library assistant helps librarians in different tasks needed to run a library smoothly. Some such tasks include acquiring, preparing, and organizing library materials.

• Librarian: A librarian performs different tasks needed to run a library such as acquiring, selecting, cataloguing, circulating, and maintaining library materials. Apart from this, a librarian also furnishes reference, bibliographical, and readers' advisory services.

• Teacher Librarian: A teacher librarian is the keeper as well as distributor of instructional media for a school. The professional helps assure equity of information by working in collaboration with teachers to help them and their students learn the skills required to identify and access appropriate resources.

Librarians are experienced and qualified individuals who organise, maintain and distribute library resources (books, magazines, journals, digital recordings and so on) to customers. Librarians are in charge of the library's inventory, as well as classifying materials and conducting frequent audits. 

The starting salary of a librarian in India is between INR 2.5 to  INR 4.5 LPA. Entry-level positions mostly open up in small public libraries, schools, or private institutions which is approximately INR 2.5 LPA, whereas if you qualify for a master’s degree, you can grab positions in larger universities, colleges, and government institutions.

M.Lib.Sc graduates and experience in digital and information management can bag higher salary, especially in specialised or senior roles.

Yes, it is worth it as libraries and artefacts are valued a lot in our country and abroad. In the end, your contentment and success in your career can be greatly impacted by your love and dedication to the field. The pursuit of an MLibISc degree may be more gratifying if library and information Science is truly your passion.

 An MLibISc programme can give you the skills and knowledge you need to keep learning and adjusting to emerging technologies and trends if you truly love information, libraries, and knowledge management.

Interested candidates can pursue an MPhil and PhD in library and information Science to build a career in the field of research. Also, the candidates will have a variety of job options in library and information science, as well as allied professions, after earning a Master of Library and Information Science (MLibISc) degree.