LIS Career Opportunities

Library and Information Science (LIS) Courses

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 (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.