What is Master of Library and Information Science

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is a prestigious postgraduate programme designed to help students learn more about library science, how to organise information, and how to find things. Students in this two-year study learn a lot about information management, digital libraries, and archival practices. This gives them a strong background in both old and new library science ideas. Indian universities have seamlessly added cutting-edge technologies and global views to their MLIS programmes. This shows how the programme is changing quickly to keep up with changes in the world of information. Including this... Read More

Master of Library and Information Science Admission Criteria

The requirements for getting into a Master of Library and Information Science programme vary from one college to the another. But most colleges and universities have a similar process for letting students in, which includes the steps below:

Educational Qualifications
  • Applicants for the Master of Library and Information Science degree must have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science or equivalent from an accredited university.
Entrance Exams
  • Universities and colleges conduct entrance examinations as part of the admission process for the Master of Library and Information Science programme.
Merit-Based Selection
  • In addition to entrance exams, institutions employ a merit-based selection process. They consider various factors such as academic performance, entrance exam scores, undergraduate marks, and personal interviews. Universities assign weights to these components to evaluate and select candidates for the programme.

Master of Library and Information Science Eligibility

The requirements to get a Master of Library and Information Science degree may be different depending on the institution. But here are some general eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Criteria Discription
Educational Requirements Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or college. The majority of institutions recommend applicants with a bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science or related fields.
Minimum Marks Applicants must have gotten at least 50% on their qualifying exam as a whole. But some colleges and universities might have a different minimum grade point average.
Age Limit There is no upper age limit for getting into Library and Information Science programmes in India. Some colleges and universities may have a lower age limit.

Master of Library and Information Science Entrance Exams

Candidates interested in pursuing the Master of Library and Information Science programme in India are required to participate in entrance examinations administered by universities and colleges. The exams are intended to evaluate the candidates' language proficiency, general awareness, and analytical skills. Although it's not a must for all colleges to require entrance exams for Master of Library and Information Science admission, some colleges consider merit-based admission based on the students' academic records. The following are the most popular entrance exams taken by Master of Library and Information Science applicants:

State Level Exams

MPSET (Madhya Pradesh State Eligibility Test), APPECET (Andhra Pradesh Postgraduate Engineering Common Entrance Test), TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test), BCECE (Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination), MAH CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test), PU CET (Panjab University Common Entrance Test), Odisha CPET (Common Postgraduate Entrance Test), KMAT Kerala (Kerala Management Aptitude Test)

University Level Exams

DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam (JNUEE), (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test) BHU PET, Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam (AMU Entrance Exam), University of Calcutta Entrance Exam, University of Madras Entrance Exam, (Osmania University Common Entrance Test) OUCET, Panjab University Common Entrance Test (PU CET), Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam

Master of Library and Information Science Fee Structure

The fee structure for a Master of Library and Information Science varies widely in India. This course costs between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 1,20,000. per year, on average. However, the fee may be different depending on things like the type of institution (government or private), its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.

Courses after Master of Library and Information Science

Candidates who have finished a Master of Library and Information Science can take additional courses to learn more and improve their skills in the field. Here is a list of some of the popular programmes candidates can choose from:
MBA

MBA in Library and Information Management, MBA in Knowledge Management, MBA in Information Technology Management, MBA in Digital Libraries, MBA in Information Science, MBA in Information Systems Management, MBA in Data Analytics, MBA in Strategic Information Management.

PHD

Ph.D. in Library and Information Science, Ph.D. in Information Management, Ph.D. in Knowledge Organisation, Ph.D. in Digital Humanities, Ph.D. in Information Retrieval, Ph.D. in Archival Studies, Ph.D. in Information Policy, Ph.D. in Cultural Heritage Informatics.

Career Opportunities after Master of Library and Information Science

A Master of Library and Information Science programme offers a broad knowledge that can lead to many different careers in Library and Information Science. It is a professional master’s programme that trains students to become experts in a wide range of Library and Information Science-related fields. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this programme are:

Position/Role Responsibility Salary (per annum)
Librarian Managing library resources, providing reference assistance, and overseeing library operations. INR 3-8 Lakhs
Information Officer Organising and disseminating information, managing databases, and assisting users in information retrieval. INR 3-7 Lakhs
Archivist Preserving historical documents and records, cataloguing artifacts, and managing archival collections. INR 4-9 Lakhs
Research Analyst Conducting research, analyzing data, and providing insights to support decision-making. INR 3-8 Lakhs
Knowledge Manager Developing strategies for knowledge management, facilitating knowledge sharing, and implementing information systems. INR 4-10 Lakhs
Metadata Specialist Creating and managing metadata, organising digital collections, and ensuring information accessibility. INR 3-7 Lakhs
Library Technology Specialist Implementing and managing library technologies, providing technical support, and training staff. INR 4-9 Lakhs
Records Manager Developing record-keeping policies, managing records lifecycle, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. INR 4-8 Lakhs
Information Architect Designing information structures, organising content, and optimising information retrieval processes. INR 5-11 Lakhs
Library Director Strategic planning, budget management, and overseeing all aspects of library operations. INR 6-15 Lakhs

Master of Library and Information Science Scope, Salary & Employers

Scope: MLIS graduates have many job options in different fields. They can work in libraries as librarians or library managers. MLIS professionals can work in research institutions, government agencies, archives, museums, and corporations. MLIS graduates can work in digital libraries, information architecture, information retrieval, data management, and knowledge organisation. MLIS includes research, consulting, and teaching roles.

Salary: MLIS professionals’ salaries vary based on experience, location, sector, and role. Entry-level library positions usually pay between 2,00,000 and 4,00,000 INR per year. Salaries can vary from 4,00,000 to 10,00,000 INR per year or more for mid-level and senior positions. Salaries can vary based on budget, location, and other factors.

Employers: MLIS professionals work in various places. Libraries hire MLIS graduates. There are different types of libraries: public, academic, school, and special libraries like law, medical, and government libraries. These institutions need MLIS professionals for managing collections, providing information services, and supporting research and learning. Universities and research centres hire MLIS professionals. MLIS graduates assist with organising and sharing research materials, helping researchers find information, and supporting scholarly communication. MLIS professionals can work in government agencies, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural heritage organisations. MLIS graduates preserve and provide access to valuable information and cultural artifacts. MLIS professionals work for companies that need help managing information. This includes companies with libraries, knowledge management departments, and research divisions. MLIS professionals assist with information management in organisations. MLIS professionals can work for IT companies that specialise in information retrieval, database management, and digital asset management. Consulting firms hire MLIS professionals for their information management expertise. Nonprofits need MLIS professionals to manage information and knowledge.

Required Skills for Master of Library and Information Science

Students pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science programme must possess a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed. Both skill sets are equally important to a Master of Library and Information Science student’s success. Here are some of the essential skills required for a Master of Library and Information Science:

  • Quantitative Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving Abilities

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

MLIS programmes accept students from diverse academic backgrounds. Related experience can help, but it's not always necessary. MLIS programmes offer basic courses to help students without prior library and information science experience gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
Yes, MLIS programmes offer internships and practical experience. Students can learn by doing and apply what they know in real-life situations. Experience is important for developing skills and finding a job.
MLIS programmes accept international students. International students should research the admission requirements, visa regulations, and English language proficiency requirements of their desired institutions. Some schools have special services for international students.
A MLIS degree can lead to international work. MLIS programmes teach skills and knowledge that can be used worldwide. MLIS graduates can find jobs in different countries through international organisations, research institutions, and libraries.
Some MLIS programmes let you specialise in multiple areas. Specialisations may vary between institutions. Research the programmes you're interested in to see if they offer specialisation in multiple areas.
Table of Contents

Table of Contents