Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS): Course, Admission, Eligibility,Online, Syllabus, Distance Education 2023

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Diploma in Library and Information Science(DLIS) is a one year undergraduate program. The student, in this course, learns to catalogue, classify and store books and documents.

See more: Diploma Courses

The eligibility to opt for this course is obtaining at least 50% marks in 10+2 board or equivalent level examinations from any recognised board or Institute. Some institutes have their own entrance exams which must be cleared if one wishes to enroll in the Diploma in Library and Information Science course.

The fee structure ranges between INR 2,750 to INR 53,000 depending upon the college and university.

See more: Diploma in Library and Information Science Colleges in India

The students can work as a librarian, photo librarian, librarian assistant, social science and data librarian in the public sector, health science librarian in universities etc. and can earn an average salary of INR 2,40,000- 5LPA

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Course Highlights

Course Level	Diploma
Duration	1 year
Examination Type	Semester/Final exams at the end of year
Eligibility	10+2 or equivalent pass out students with a minimum of 50% in class 12th board.
Admission Process	Merit Based (some institutes have separate entrance test)
Course Fee	INR 2,750-55,000
Average Starting Salary	INR 2,40,000
Top Recruiting Areas	Museums,High Courts. Business firms, Libraries of Ministries and other government departments, School libraries, College libraries, Publishers etc.
Job Positions	Librarian, library consultant, Web Services Librarian, Information Executive, Publication and Documentation officer, Information analyst etc.

Admission Process

Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS): Admission Process

Admissions to the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course are largely based on a merit-based criterion with a select few institutes/colleges going for admissions based on the Entrance Exam.

A common entrance examination for admission to the course is administered by some institutes/colleges, so students will have to apply for such tests.
The students must score above that cutoff mark.
A merit list of applicants who scored above the cut off marks is prepared and applicants are invited by the respective institute or college for the admission process.
After the applicant is finally allocated the seat, the candidate is supposed to deposit the course fee and register for the respective academic year.

Eligibility Criteria

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent level examination with at least 50 percent of the marks from a recognised state or central board (relaxable for reserved category applicants).
Candidates should not have any backlogs; before entering the diploma course, they should clear all subjects.
The entrance test is a mandatory examination for any student who wishes to apply for the course.
In the entry test, candidates should earn minimum marks.
For reserved category students, they will have to display their reservation certificates issued by qualified authorities.

Diploma in Library and Information Science: How to Prepare for Entrance Exams?

In LPUNEST questions are asked from the topics of class 11th and 12th syllabus. Before appearing for the exam, go through the topics that you have covered in the 11th and 12th class thoroughly. You will be able to clear the exam.
Solve as many sample papers as possible.
Find MCQ papers on the topics that are relevant .
When you don’t know an answer very clearly, try to single out options which can’t be correct in this way you will be left with the option which is the answer. You can guess easily as there is no negative marking.
The first part of the exam is an online test, followed by an interview.
To score good marks in an interview you must practice mock-interview at home with friends or family members.
Interview: Do work on your communication skills by reading and writing. Read a lot of classics and foreign authors in which there is good vocabulary used. Talk to your friends in English or talk to people whose native language is English. The more you interact in the language, the more positive and confident you will be about your selection.

See more: LPUNEST Practice Papers

How to Get Admission in a Good College?

Prepare well for the entrance exam by studying everything included in the syllabus and giving yourself enough practice using a timer and set of question paper.
Prepare well for the interview by considering the points mentioned under the interview section of the entrance exam.
Concentrate on improving your communication skills and social skills. For this you need to improve your English in general-read a lot of books, watch good Hollywood movies or English Netflix-shows. A good command over English is useful for your life in general for jobs also in future.
Research well about the college from internet and from the alumni of the college try finding people on social media like Instagram or facebook and send a friendly query or ask on quora.com
Try asking industry professionals in your desired field on linkedin or facebook about the best colleges in India where the highest paying companies come for college placements.
Join a coaching centre for personality development, such classes will give you ample practice for acing your interview in improving your communication skills in general. At times students have a lot of knowledge in their particular subject but are not able to express it to the interviewer, so make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS): What is it About?

This course is designed to prepare the student to work in a library in a school or college , in government or private sector. There are other options available as a consultant or research assistant.

Cataloguing, organising and storing of documents or books or similar resources is taught.
This course lays emphasis on developing skills like communication skills, problem solving skills, patience, social skills and the skill of performing under pressure.
Also someone with a good memory will be preferred more as one is dealing with such an enormous amount of data.
Although there are various computer applications available which ease the work of the librarian to a great extent, yet a good memory power goes a long way in keeping track of the changes made, example books ordered in a particular genre of a particular writer when dealing with literature students.
Knowledge of computers is given so that the librarian can successfully use the applications designed for making library management easier.

Why Study Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS)?

This is one sector where there isn't much competition if one is after getting a lucrative government job with all its perks.
The diploma is only of one year as opposed to 3 year degrees and can be done conveniently from home via distance education programme.
The students can go for higher education after doing diploma and then try to get better packages both in private firms and government jobs.
The fresher salary is good, and after a few years one can expect getting much better salaries as experience will be counted. Along with that one can pursue his higher degree via correspondence (distance education).
There is a huge variety of jobs, documentation officer, consultant or working as a librarian in schools or colleges. If you want the stability of a single place, doing a routine job then being a librarian is good for you.
Someone who is interested in reading and writing can easily get into a reputed publishing industry and it might just help them build the contacts they need for getting their work published.

Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS): Course Comparison

Diploma in Library and Information Science and Bachelors in Library Science are similar courses but some of the difference are listed below:

Parameters	Diploma in Library and information science	Bachelors in Library Science
Description	In the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS), the student learns to catalogue, classify and store books and documents.	This program educates students to learn about the skill in the fields of library management and book and journal procurement.
Duration	1 year	1 year
Eligibility	10+2 or equivalent pass out students with a minimum of 50% in class 12th board.	Students having any bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% or more.
Admission Process	Merit-based selection or Entrance exam, Personal Interview	Merit-based or Entrance exam, Personal interview
Top Colleges	Kishori Raman PG College, Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Adesh University etc.	LNCT University, Guru Kashi University, IES University, Apex University, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi Parul University, etc.
Job Roles	Librarian, Library Assistant, Assistant Librarian Integrated Library System Administrator, Library Services, Manager, Outreach Librarian, Director Of Content Acquisition, etc	Indexer, Library Specialist, Librarian, Assistant Director, Library Information Officer, etc
Average Fees	INR 2,750 to INR 53,000	INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000
Average Salary	INR 1.8-2.5 LPA	INR 2-3.4 LPA
Top Recruiting organization	Accenture, Amul, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BHEL, Cadbury Amazon.com	Amazon, Godrej,TCS,Infosys

Top Colleges

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Top Colleges

Institute	City	Average Fee	Average Salary
Lovely Professional University	Jalandhar	INR 53,000	INR 7 LPA
Janaki Devi Vocational Centre	Delhi	INR 35,000	INR 3 LPA
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University	Mumbai	INR 45,000	INR 10 LPA
Apex University	Jaipur	INR 21,500	Inr 3.5 LPA
Swami Vivekanand University	Sagar	INR 6,000	INR 3.6 LPA
Government Polytechnic College for Girls	Jalandhar	INR 5,800	INR 2 LPA
Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University	Kota	INR 3,500	INR 2 LPA
Jadavpur University	Kolkata	INR 2,750	INR 5 LPA
BPS Institute of Polytechnic	Sonepat	INR 7,000	INR 2 LPA
Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University	Guwahati	INR 3,500	INR 2.5 LPA

Diploma in Library and Information Science: College Comparison

Parameters	Lovely Professional University	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University
Overview	Established in 2005, Lovely Professional University (LPU) is located in Punjab, India. The university has a vast campus that spreads over 600 acres	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University (CSMU) is a private university in Maharashtra. Located in Navi Mumbai, it has 6 Faculties and 19 Departments.
NIRF Ranking	99	91
Average Fee	INR 53,000	INR 50,000
Average Package	INR 3.75 LPA	INR 4 LPA
Top Recruiters	Cognizant, Tcs, Oracle, Infosys, Amazon, HCL, IBM	Hindustan Unilever Limited, Pepsico Holdings (I) Pvt. Ltd, Hilton Lake Taupo, Raddisson, HDFC BankFortis, WIPRO, HINDUSTAN COPPER LIMITED

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Distance Education

This option is suitable for those who are doing a job and are wanting to hone their skills. There is a lot of flexibility in this mode of learning as the student can plan his or her schedule according to the free time they have. In this mode, students get the study material which has been specifically designed by the university so that the student can get maximum information while enjoying the comfort of his home.

It is a more viable option for students who belong to the middle class or those who cannot afford doing a full time degree at the college campus. In a country like India where the population is too much and the resources are scarce, this mode of studying holds promise.

Some universities that offer distance learning are:

University	Average Fees
Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University	INR 26,000
Karnataka State Open University	INR 10,000

Syllabus

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Syllabus

One needs to have basic computer knowledge as a librarian is expected to use professional computer applications for keeping library records about the books issued; the available copies of a particular book etc. The librarian must be proficient in English communication because if he or she will not be able to understand the requirement of the student or teacher who wants a particular book, he or she will not be able to give them that specific book or resource. For this reason communication and computer fundamentals are part of the DLIS curriculum.

Semester I	Semester II
Library and Society	Library Management
Computer Fundamentals	Library Classification theory
Library Classification practice	Reference and Information sources
Information Services	English communication
Information Retrieval	Documentation
Research methods in library science	-

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Important Books

Name Of The Book	Author
Spoken English (English Improvement for success)	Alison Reid
Skill with people	Les Giblin
Fundamentals of Computers	Balagurusamy
Fundamentals of Computers	Rajaraman and Adabala
Statistics for Management	Dr P.N.Arora S.Arora
Records and Information Management	Patricia Franks
Digitization and Digital archiving	Elizabeth R.Leggett
The Lib.An illustrated history	Murray Stuart
Cataloguing and Classification:an introduction	Chan LoisMai
Technical documentation	A.J.Marlow

Job Profiles

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Job Profiles

Both the government and private sector offer many jobs in various departments. The job profile also varies from that of being a researcher to managing a library. One gets to interact with a number of professionals according to one’s profile.

Job Profile	Description	Average Salary
Librarian	A librarian is responsible for the collection, organisation, and issuing of library materials, such as books, movies, and audio files.	INR 2.55 LPA
Library Manager	His job description involves coordinating the operations of all library branches.	INR 4 LPA
Library Consultant	A library consultant conducts a range of tasks related to the establishment of a new library project. He can also assist in the improvement of the efficacy or usefulness of an existing library.	INR 4.5 LPA
Publication and Documentation Officer	He records the different programmes and projects as needed. He produces different analytical reports and documents for sharing and publishing.	INR 2.71 LPA
Archival Consultant	He maintains special paper and digital libraries.	INR 4.7 LPA
Law Librarian	He supervises and oversees law-related libraries in a particular legal firm or within courts.	INR 2.9 LPA
Web Services Librarian	He oversees the vision and design of the web presence of a library to meet the requirements of school or university students, faculty and staff. He also manages the same.	INR 3.1 LPA
Archives Technician	Several libraries use different methods of archiving their records. He manages the systems and technologies used for the purposes of archiving.	INR 2.65 LPA

Future Scope

Diploma in Library and Information Science: Future Scope

After you've completed your diploma you can pursue bachelors in library and information science for more detailed knowledge and exposure.Surely a better degree is going to boost your chances for getting a high paying job.

B.LibISc: This bachelor degree is offered by different Colleges and Universities and requires the applicant to score a minimum of 50% in graduation or if someone has done a diploma in library and information science and is the graduate as well, he or she can apply for this course.
MLIS: Masters in library and information science. Doing this course will give you an edge over others who have simply done bachelors or diploma.
MPhil Library and Information Science: This is a two year course offered by colleges. Reputed colleges like Delhi University, Loyola and St. Xavier offer this course. After doing MPhil one can become a lecturer, information Sourcing analyst and research sector.
PhD Library and Information Science: The duration of this interdisciplinary course is 2-3 years. Those who have cleared NET or SLET do not have to take the entrance exam but they still have to clear the interview round.

FAQs

Diploma in Library and Information Science: FAQs

Ques. What is the duration of the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. The duration of a diploma in library and information science is usually one year.

Ques. Which university is best for a Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) distance learning?

Ans. Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University is best for a Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) through distance education.

Ques. Can someone with bad command over English pursue the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. This course requires you to learn to interact with students so good command over English is required.

Ques. How many semesters are there in the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. Usually there are two semesters in this course when pursued regularly and in full time.

Ques. What can we do after doing the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. One can do B.LIS, M.LIS or PhD after successful completion of the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course.

Ques. Will the entrance exam be online for admission to the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. Yes, mostly the entrance exam is online, though some universities take offline exams at their centres to offer admission to the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course.

Ques. What is the maximum salary one can get after completing the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. The maximum salary can go up to INR 5,00,000 after successfully graduating the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course.

Ques. Is it advisable to go for B.LIS after the Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) course?

Ans. Yes, it will definitely get you a better job and a better salary package.

Ques. Can one apply for jobs other than in schools or universities after doing Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS) ?

Ans. Yes, This diploma lets you apply to law firms, business firms etc.