eGyanKoshWiki:MLIS

Objectives
Keeping in view the need for quality professionals capable of holding senior level positions in Library, Information Institutions, Universities, etc. and also to build up efficient information intermediaries, the University launched its Master’s Degree Programme in Library and Information Science (MLIS) in 1994. The revised version of the programme was launched from July 2005.

Information is a pervasive element in contemporary society, the development of which will depend upon the future shape of information services particularly with the usage of Information Communication Technologies. To this end in view, the MLIS programme has been launched wherein information access, processing, organization and dissemination are the core components. Unlike the MLIS Courses of other Universities, MLIS programme puts emphasis on handling and access to information in all forms rather than the conventional library activities. The popularity of the course has resulted in spreading its wing to other countries also like Mauritius , Dubai, Kuwait , etc.

Medium of Instruction

The Programme is offered in English.

Eligibility

The programme is available to the candidates who have BLIS Degree or its equivalent from any recognized university and similar institutions.

Duration

The programme can be completed in a minimum period of 1 year and a maximum period of 4 years.

Credit System

The MLIS programme is of 36 credits. Each course has weightage of 4 credits. One credit involves 30 hours of study by the students. Thus, for completing one course a student has to put in 120 hours of study. He/she can decide how many courses can be pursued in a year, thus providing flexibility in course completion.

Programme Structure

The 36 credit programme comprises 6 core courses, one project and 2 electives (to be selected out of 6 electives being offered now).

Special Features of MLIS Programme

The special features of the programme is its excellent study materials developed by the experts in the country and have been prepared not only by the specialists and experienced librarians but also specialists in computer, communication and media technologies. The material is utilized by many Universities as text books. The other feature of the programme is to offer compulsory Practical and Seminar components which envisages to develop the communication skills of the students.

Evaluation System

The MLIS Programme adopts continuous evaluation system through assignments, practical work, seminars and term-end examination.

Fee Structure

The fees for the Programme including registration fee is as follows:

· Indian Residents - Rs. 6,700 · SAARC countries - Rs. 23, 000 · Other countries- US $ 1000

Syllabus

The Programme has been designed and developed keeping in view the handling of information rather than library materials as a whole. The programme consists of 6 core courses one project and 6 electives (out of which 2 have to be selected).

Core Course:

MLI-101: Information, Communication and Society MLII-101: Information Sources, Systems and Services MLIL-102: Information Processing and Retrieval MLI-102: Management of Library and Information Centres MLII-103: Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies MLI-104: Information Communication Technologies: Application

MLIP-002: Project

Electives:

MLIE-101: Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials MLIE-102: Research Methodology MLIE-103: Academic Library System MLIE-104: Technical Writing MLIE-105: Scientometrics and Informetrics MLIE-106: Public Library System and Services

About the MLIS Online Programme

MLIS programme is now available online on the LIVE platform. LIVE (Library and Information Virtual Education) is an initiative of IGNOU to develop in-house Learning & Content Management System for imparting online education. It is a complete virtual learning environment suite covering all the activities from registration to certification. The following features are available in MLIS online programme:

1. Walk in admission- admission will be available throughout the year. Registration form has been specially devised with the facility of uploading scanned certificates, other required documents and photograph. Registration will be confirmed only after verification of the certificates and payment of the required admission fee. Facility for online payment is available through the payment gateway of AXIS Bank. 2. Integrated multimedia courseware- once registered, learners will have access to personalized learning space (My Page). This includes self instructional material, related audio/ video, slides, self check exercises etc. weaved in one platform. 3. Online counseling and mentoring – web cast based counseling integrated with text based chatting facility is used for counseling purposes. 4. 24×7 learner support- asynchronous and synchronous modes of interaction will be used to provide just in time support to learners. 5. Portfolio based continuous evaluation- portfolios with individualized randomly generated assignments (both objective and subjective) is automatically generated from the question bank. Portfolio space is used for keeping track of course status, assignment status and grades. Objective questions will be evaluated by the system automatically and the subjective question by the e-councellor. 6. E-tutor based practical- online instructions and e-tutorials for hands on practice of WINISIS and Library Automation Packages will be used for the practical sessions. Multimedia manuals for self learning are provided online. 7. Group based online seminar- Blogs, chat rooms and discussion forums and web conferencing facility are used for group based seminars. 8. Online Project platform – templates are available for synopsis submission, project uploading and evaluation. Viva voce will be conducted through through web based video conferencing tool. 9. Online Term End Examination- Online examinations will be conducted in specified centres for in proctored environment.