Master in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS)
Introduction:
MLIS programme intends to provide an opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills as well as qualifications in the field of Library and Information Sciences, being offered from Spring 2001 on the demand of AIOU graduates and other para/semi-professionals. There are many LIS graduates of AIOU who are working in various libraries of the country and innumerable graduates of other universities having little opportunities to have master degree in the subject as regular student and they desire to have it without leaving their homes and the place of work. There may be hundreds of graduates who are eager to improve their qualification by joining LIS profession. MLIS programme has, therefore, been launched to provide them the facility to improve their professional qualification through the distance learning system.
Admission Requirement:
An applicant having bachelor’s degree in second division from any recognized university is eligible for admission. If the number of applicants is too large the University has the right to shortlist the candidates.
Note: The MLIS programme is being offered only in Islamabad but the students all over the country may apply. They have to attend the tutorial classes and workshops at main campus AIOU, Islamabad.
Selection Process:
Only prescribed admission forms for MLIS programme will be entertained. Photocopied form will not be accepted. Selection of students for admission in the programme will be made strictly on the basis of merit. Incomplete admission forms and those received after due date will not be entertained in any case.
Note: Since the MLIS admission is granted to the selected candidates in the order of merit, therefore, do not deposit fee/dues in advance until you receive admission offer along with prescribed payable fee tariff by the Admission Department of AIOU.
Duration:
The duration of MLIS degree is of four semesters, i.e. two years.
Medium of Instruction:
Most of the course material is in English. However a student may opt Urdu for assignments and examination.
Teaching Methodology:
Distance learning system with tutorial and workshop support at Islamabad only.
AIOU Credits Required:
10
Course Required:
A student shall have to complete 13 courses (12 courses in case of thesis) comprising 10 credits. Eleven compulsory courses are offered in the first three semesters, whereas two courses or Research Thesis to be elected in the 4th semester
1st Semester
5500-Foundation of Librarianship(Half)
5501-Introduction to Library & Information Science(Half)
5502-Information Sources and Services(Half)
5503-Classification: Theory and Practice(Half)
5504-Cataloguing: Theory and Practice(Half)
2nd Semester
5505-Collection Development(Half)
5506-Management of libraries & Information Centres(Full)
5507-Library Automation/Information Storage & Retrieval(Full)
3rd Semester
5508-Resource Sharing and Networking(Full)
5509-Advanced Technical Operations(Full)
5510-Research Methods & Techniques for Librarians(Full)
4th Semester
5511-Public Records, Rare Material & their Conservation(Full)
5519-Management of Serials Publications(Full)
Or in lieu of 5511 & 5519
5520-Research Thesis(2 Credit)
Collaborations:
N/A
Workshop:
10-12 days workshop at the end of each semester is held only at AIOU main Campus, Islamabad
Thesis:
The thesis will be on a topic approved by the Department. It is to be carried out by the student under the supervision of research supervisor. Thesis will preferably deal with a problem in Pakistani context. Compilations of bibliographies, histories of individuals or organizations, narration of event of descriptive accounts may not be accepted as research topic. The student has to complete the thesis within a stipulated period according to prescribed rules.
Practical:
Practicals are included in the course work
Viva:
i) The student will have to present the report of internship and pass result of four semesters for Viva Voce within a week after the final result to the Head, Department of Library and Information Sciences, AIOU, Islamabad.
ii) The Department will arrange the viva voce at the main campus.
iii) Qualifying the Viva Voce would be a compulsory condition for grant of MLIS degree. The student would redo internship with report if fails in the Viva Voce.
iv) Maximum three chances will be given to a student to pass the Viva Voce. If a student fails in the third chance, he/she would be issued only a transcript of courses passed by him/her and MLIS degree will not be awarded.
