Library & Information Science (LIS) Courses in India — Overview

1. Certificate & Diploma Courses

Short-term programs introducing basic library practices and digital tools.

• Popular courses: Certificate in Library Science (C.Lib.Sc.), Diploma in Library & Information Science (D.Lib.Sc.), PG Diploma in Library Automation & Networking (PGDLAN).
• Eligibility: 10+2 for certificate/diploma; graduation for PG diploma.
• Duration: 6 months – 1 year.
• Example providers: IGNOU, Annamalai University, Alagappa University, NSOU.

2. Undergraduate (B.Lib.I.Sc)

One-year professional degree focused on cataloguing, classification, and basic ICT for libraries.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• Duration: Typically 1 year (some integrated options vary).
• Core topics: Cataloguing, Classification, Information Sources, Library Automation basics.
• Top universities: University of Delhi, BHU, AMU, Osmania University.

3. Postgraduate (M.Lib.I.Sc)

Advanced training in information organization, digital libraries, and research methods.

• Eligibility: B.Lib.I.Sc or equivalent.
• Duration: Usually 1 year (varies by university).
• Key subjects: Digital Libraries, Information Retrieval, Metadata, Research Methods.
• Leading institutions: University of Delhi, Panjab University, Madras University, IGNOU, NEHU.

4. Research Programs (M.Phil / Ph.D.)

For scholars aiming at research, teaching, and leadership roles in LIS.

• Eligibility: M.Lib.I.Sc (often with a minimum percentage); Ph.D. may require UGC-NET/JRF as per university rules.
• Duration: M.Phil 1–2 years; Ph.D. minimum 3 years.
• Research areas: Digital preservation, Institutional repositories, Information literacy, Big Data in libraries.

5. Career Opportunities

LIS graduates can work across academic, public, special, and corporate sectors.

• Academic Libraries: Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Information Scientist.
• Special Libraries & Archives: Archivist, Records Manager.
• Digital & Tech Roles: Digital Librarian, Repository Manager, Metadata Specialist.
• Other roles: Knowledge Manager, Cataloguer, Library Assistant, Research Support.

6. Emerging & In-Demand Areas

Skills and topics gaining traction in modern LIS careers:

• Digital libraries & institutional repositories (DSpace, EPrints).
• Library automation (Koha, SOUL) and integrated library systems (ILS).
• Digital preservation and metadata standards (Dublin Core, MARC).
• Data management, Big Data analytics, and research data services.
• AI applications, linked data, and semantic web technologies.

7. Entrance & Admission Tips

• Check university-specific eligibility & admission notices on official websites.
• Keep scanned certificates and mark sheets ready for online applications.
• Prepare a short CV highlighting library internships, computer skills, and academic projects.
• For research programs, identify potential supervisors and recent publications in your area of interest.