MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) Course, Full Form, Admission, Distance Education, Syllabus and Salary

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Sounak Banerjee

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MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) course is a 1 year professional postgraduation degree that deals with the advanced library principles and information science practices. It includes the study of subjects like Planning and Management, Computer Basics and Applications, Library Management, Research Methodology, Statistical Techniques and alike.

To pursue this course you must possess a minimum of 50% to 60% marks in your graduation degree from a recognized university. The qualifying percentage varies from college to college. 

You can also apply to this course for both full time and distance learning. You can also pursue MLIS course from DU. To pursue this course from Delhi University, one should possess a minimum of 60% or above in undergraduation. The course duration of this course is one academic year of 2 semesters. Admission offered to this course in DU is based on both entrance exam and merit. There are ample colleges and universities offering MLIS course from correspondence like LPU distance education, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), NIMS University and others.

Quick Look: Top MLIS Colleges

An average fee charged to pursue this course from a good and reputed college or university is around INR 10,000 per annum, that is quite affordable. Fee structure of the course varies from institute to institute.

Moreover, this course enables you to get knowledge of  both Information Science and Library management, so further you can look for a good career in any of these fields. An average MLIS Salary ranges from INR 3-4 Lakhs per annum

Course Level Post Graduate
Full Form Master of Library and Information Science
Duration 1-3 Years
Admission process Entrance Exam/ Merit Based
Minimum Percentage 50%-60% in Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
Course Fee INR 10,000
Average Salary Offered Up to INR 3-4 Lakhs
Career prospects Librarian, Junior Information Analyst, Information Architect, Library Attendant, Integrated Library System Application Specialist and others

MLIS full form is Master of Library and Information Science. This course enables you to get in-depth insights of the IT science and library management skills. The course duration is usually a year but you can complete this course within a maximum time span of 3 years. Few colleges do offer this course for 2 years like University of Calcutta

MLIS course embarks skills like library management, research skills, managing information technology or systems and others. This programme lays more emphasis on the handling and access of all types of information other than only library related activities. 

This course is widely popular and can also be pursued from international colleges in countries like Kuwait, Dubai, Mauritius, Chicago and others

Why MLIS Course?

There are a number of perks attached with this course. Few of them are listed below:

  1. Makes you a professional in management skills.
  2. You can follow Higher degrees like M.Phil or Ph.D in relevant fields.
  3. Prepares you for the Information challenges of the coming years.
  4. Open wide gates for both private and public job sectors.
  5. Enhance your information accessing and storage skills.

MLIS Course Admission Process

Usually, MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) admissions are based on the merit lists released by the universities and the colleges. Few colleges conduct their own entrance exams for admission in this course. Once the applications for the entrance test or the merit list have been released by the university, you can easily apply for admissions.. Below are some common steps stating the admission procedure for the same:

Step 1:- Visit the official page of the institution and go through all the details related to MLIS admissions.

Step 2:- Next step is to fill the application form, uploading of asked documents as per the guidelines and payment of fee.

After the closing of application forms, candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of the merit list or by the entrance exams results (if any), to offer admission in MLIS course. Some Universities also have GD and PI rounds to clear as the basis for offering admissions into this particular course. You can apply for admission into a college through both online and offline mode.

MLIS Course: Eligibility Criteria

In order to possess a Master in Library And Information Science degree, you should meet the below discussed eligibility criteria:

  1. A minimum of 50%-60% marks in aggregate in Bachelor’s degree.
  2. You can apply for this course within an age limit of 20-22 years.
  3. Candidates with a graduation degree in Bachelor of Library and Information Science and Bachelor of Library Science will be preferred more.
  4. A minimum of 50% in high school is also considered as one of the criteria for offering admission to this course.

MLIS Course:  Entrance Exam

Most of the time the admissions offered in this course is on the basis of merit,But few of the colleges and universities conduct their own entrance exams for offering this course. Few of those university level entrance exams are 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 exams and others

MLIS Course Syllabus

MLIS course syllabus comprises subjects related to information system or technology and library management. Few of those subjects are listed below:

  1. Software Concepts
  2. Networks and Networking
  3. Library Classification
  4. Storage and Maintenance
  5. Financial Management
  6. Technical Processing
  7. Historical overview of library development
  8. Current Developments
  9. Types of Services
  10. Digital Library And others

Read More: Detailed MLIS Syllabus

MLIS Course: Top Colleges

Some of the top universities and colleges according for pursuing MLIS course are listed below:

Name of the College Location  Average Fees
Banaras Hindu University Varanasi INR 4,107
University of Calcutta Kolkata INR 6,000
Jadavpur University Kolkata INR 4,940
Anna University Chennai INR 10,995
Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune INR 9,000
Jamia Millia Islamia University New Delhi INR 30,100
University of Delhi New Delhi INR 8,000
Bharathiar University Coimbatore INR 10,000
Osmania University Hyderabad INR 3,240
Pondicherry University Pondicherry IR 17,900

The above mentioned universities are ranked by NIRF on the terms of their education facilities, faculty and other parameters. To pursue MLIS course, you need to check te admission process of every college as it may differ because of different university policies.

Comparison of Different MLIS Universities 

Parameter Banaras Hindu University Savitribai Phule Pune University University of Delhi
NIRF Rank 3 13 13
College/University Location Varanasi Pune Delhi
Affiliated By UGC and AIU UGC AICTE and UGC
Overview Banaras hindu university is one of the most popular central universities in varanasi. It offers all types of UG, PG , Ph.D, Diploma and certificate courses. This is one of the premier universities in India. It also has 718 affiliated colleges and universities. University of Delhi is top ranked central universities in India. The university has 2 main campuses: North campus and South Campus.
Top Courses Offered MBA, PG Diploma, M.Sc. M.Tech, MA, PhD and MBBS BBA, M.Phil, PhD, M.Tech, MBA and Diploma Certification, BA, Diploma, PhD, M.phil, M.Tech and MBA
Average Fees INR 4,107 INR 9,000 INR 8,000

MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) course can also be pursued from distance education mode. There are a number of colleges in India that are offering this course part-time.

  • This helps the aspirant to pursue the course of their choice without travelling from their hometown.
  • Moreover, distance learning MLIS course costs less than pursuing it full time.
  • The study material and course videos will be provided to you either by emails or by the courier service.
  • The course duration varies with the performance of the student. Usually, the course duration varies from 1 year to 3 years.

Few of the top reputed colleges and universities offering this course from correspondence are discussed below:

Name of the College Location  Average Fees
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) New Delhi INR 9,000
Lovely Professional University (LPU)- Distance Education Punjab INR 11,000
NIMS University Rajasthan INR 20,000

Course Comparison

MLIS Vs MLS

MLIS stands for Master of Library and Information Science and MLS stands for Master of Library Science. Both the courses are based on in-depth research and are related to similar fields. MLIS mainly focuses on the library management and information systems part whereas MLS lays more emphasis on information about research and teaching skills. It depends on your area of interest which course you would like to pursue. Below are some of the key differences between MLIS course and MLS course.

PARAMETERS MLIS  MLS 
Abbreviation MLIS can be abbreviated as Master of Library and Information Science. MLS can also be abbreviated as Master of Library Science.
Main aim of Study This course's main aim of study is to learn information system and library management skills. It lays more emphasis on research and teaching skills of the aspirant. 
Duration 1 year 1-2 years
Subjects Involved Financial management, Information systems, Digital Library, Acquisition and others Information System and services, Research methodology, library classification and others
Average Annual Fee INR 10,000 INR 12,000
Average Salary package Up to INR 4 Lakhs Up to INR 3 Lakhs

MLIS Vs MLS

MLIS Course Job Prospects and Scope

After completing your masters in Library and Information Science sector, you can either go for jobs sectors for gaining field experience or you can go for higher studies in the same field, One can also pursue their own business in books by establising their own library. Few of the doctorate courses that can be opted after MLIS course are mentioned below:

  • PhD in Library and Information Science
  • M.Phil in Library and Information Science

There are a number of job prospects available too to a Master of Library and Information Science graduate. An average MLIS Salary is around INR 3-4 Lakhs per annum. As this course has wider scope of job opportunities in India and outside India. Therefore, ample career prospects are available with handsome salary packages. Few of those MLIS jobs and positions are discussed below:

Job Title Job Description Average Salary in INR
Academic Librarian Academic Librarians work to bolster a school's or college’s educational modules by managing academic material-related repositories. They keep a check on all the important items, books and other repositories that are in daily use in an academic calendar. Up to INR 2.45 Lakhs
Library Attendant They accumulate records, sort and hold books, and issue and get library materials, for example, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. They locate library materials for credit, and supplant material in racking territory, stacks, or documents by specific proof numbers and titles. Also, they enroll supporters to allow them to get books, periodicals, and other study material. They work in a busy public service environment. Up to INR 2.01 Lakhs
Information Analyst Information Analysts are the one that are responsible for collecting, managing, analyzing and keeping all the data while processing the system work. They prepare reports for detail trends in performances and the processes. Up to INR 3.15 Lakhs
Technical Writer Technical Writers are those who write instruction manuals and other documents for guiding, awaring and communicating the staff. They basically help in the layout assistance work. They gather and analyse the information for technical document preparation. Up to INR 4.94 Lakhs

job prospects

Know More details about MLIS Job Prospects and Higher Education Scope

MLIS Course: FAQs

Ques: Is MLIS course good or Bad?

Ans: No degree is good or bad, definitely MLIS is a good degree but it totally depends on you whether you wish to pursue the same or not. If you have interest in the Library management and Information Science system, then you should go for MLIS course.

Ques: What is MLIS course full form?

Ans: MLIS course full form is Master of Library and Information Science.

Ques: Can an aspirant pursue MLIS course from distance learning?

Ans: Yes, one can pursue MLIS from distance education mode.

Ques: What is an average Master of Library and Information science (MLIS) salary?

Ans: An average salary package offered to MLIS graduate is 3-4 lakhs per annum.

Ques: What is the scope of MLIS course in the government sector?

Ans: One can serve in government public libraries and companies. Moreover you can also apply for jobs in various government offices through government exams.

Ques: What are MLIS subjects?

Ans: MLIS basically comprises of the subjects like library management, information science, digital library, Catalogues, Software concepts, information services and alike.

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