Library & Information Science

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.

Students can refer to 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.

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 recognised 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. 

Candidates with a MLibSc degree can secure jobs at different places such as libraries (public or private), news agencies, embassies, photo/ film libraries, information/ documentation centers, information handling divisions, museums and so on. Some of the popular job profiles for candidates who have successfully completed MLibSc course include:

• Library Director: A library director is a professional who checks books in and out for customers along with performing some other administrative duties that lead to smooth running of the library.
• Information Architect: An information architect is responsible for ensuring the user-friendly design of websites and other software applications in a library. 
• Library Assistant: A library assistant compiles records, sorts and shelves books, and issues and receives library materials such as pictures and card. The assistant also locates library material and replaces it in shelves, stacks, or files. 
• Library Science Teacher: A library science teacher imparts library science education to school students. The teacher also prepares different course materials such as syllabus and homework assignments for students.
• Indexer: An indexer works with a variety of documents such as books, periodicals, and manuscripts to review them and compile indexes to make information searches easier.
• Cataloguer: A cataloguer is a trained professional who manages the catalog of different materials at a library. The professional prepares bibliographic records for library material like journals and monographs.

Library science is an interdisciplinary field that involves the study of principles and practices of library administration. The major disciplines that are associated with library science include education, management, and information technology. The Master of Library Science course is offered as a full-time or part-time (distance learning) programme at various universities and colleges in India. The course serves as a foundation for candidates who wish to build their careers in the field of research or teaching.

However, the course also offers lucrative employment opportunities to candidates who wish to pursue jobs. Admissions to MLibSc courses are done mainly based on entrance exams conducted at the university/ college level. However, some institutions also provide direct admission to candidates based on merit determined through candidates' marks scored in the qualifying exam.