

M-LIB-I-SC in General at Alagappa University


Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Alagappa University Sivaganga?
This Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc.) program at Alagappa University focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills for managing modern libraries and information centers. With India''''s growing digital infrastructure and increasing demand for organized information, this program integrates traditional library science with contemporary information technology. Its key differentiator lies in blending theoretical foundations with practical ICT applications, catering to the evolving needs of the Indian information landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.L.I.Sc.) graduates seeking to deepen their expertise in information management. It also attracts working professionals in academic, public, or special libraries looking to upskill in areas like digital library management, information retrieval, and data analytics. Career changers with a strong interest in information organization and technology can also benefit, provided they meet the prerequisite academic background in library science.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Digital Librarians, Information Analysts, Knowledge Managers, Archivists, and Database Administrators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for leadership positions in academic, corporate, and government information sectors, aligning with professional certifications in library automation and information systems management.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core LIS Concepts and Practical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational principles of library and information science, including classification, cataloguing, and management. Actively practice using library automation software and information retrieval tools through hands-on exercises and assignments.
Tools & Resources
DDC, UDC, AACR-II codes, KOHA, LibSys (library software), University library databases
Career Connection
A strong grasp of these fundamentals is essential for efficient library operations, accurate information processing, and effective user services, crucial for entry-level positions in India.
Cultivate Research Acumen and Data Analysis Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on research methods and statistical techniques. Practice formulating research questions, collecting data, and performing basic statistical analysis using relevant software.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (basic level), Survey tools (e.g., Google Forms), Academic journals databases
Career Connection
Developing early research skills prepares students for evidence-based decision-making and contributes to their project work, enhancing their value in research-intensive information roles in India.
Build a Strong Digital Presence and Network- (Semester 1-2)
Start building a professional online profile showcasing projects and skills learned. Attend departmental seminars and workshops, and connect with faculty and senior students in the LIS field.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Departmental events, Professional LIS associations (e.g., ILA, IASLIC)
Career Connection
Early networking can open doors to internships and mentorship opportunities, while an online presence acts as a digital resume, important for Indian job market visibility.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Specialize in Emerging Information Technologies- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into elective courses like Digital Libraries, Content Management Systems, or Data Mining. Seek out opportunities to implement these technologies in practical projects, possibly an internship.
Tools & Resources
DSpace, E-Prints (digital repository software), WordPress, Joomla (CMS platforms), Python libraries for data analysis (e.g., Pandas)
Career Connection
Specializing in high-demand areas like digital librarianship or data analytics makes graduates highly competitive for roles in modern information centers and tech-driven organizations in India.
Undertake an Impactful Capstone Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a project topic that addresses a real-world problem in an Indian library or information center. Focus on practical implementation, data analysis, and clear communication of findings.
Tools & Resources
Research methodologies, Project management software, Institutional library resources for data
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates practical problem-solving abilities and serves as a significant portfolio piece, directly aiding in placements and showcasing expertise to potential employers.
Engage in Professional Development and Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Attend mock interviews, resume writing workshops, and career fairs organized by the university. Actively seek out internship opportunities in relevant organizations to gain industry exposure.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, Job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs), Industry magazines
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation ensures students are well-equipped to navigate the Indian job market, secure desirable positions, and kickstart their professional careers effectively.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates for admission to the M.L.I.S. degree course should have passed B.L.I.S. degree examination of this University or an examination of any other University accepted by the Syndicate as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 86 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MLISC101 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | Core | 4 | Library as a Social Institution, Types of Libraries and their functions, Library Legislation and Acts, Library Associations and their role, National and International Organizations in LIS |
| 21MLISC102 | Management of Library and Information Centres | Core | 4 | Principles of Management, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Library Records and Statistics, Marketing of LIS Products and Services |
| 21MLISC103 | Information Sources and Services | Core | 4 | Information Sources: Types and Characteristics, Reference Sources: Print and Electronic, Electronic Information Sources and Databases, Information Services: Reference and Document Delivery, Current Awareness Services and SDI |
| 21MLISC104 | Library Automation and Networking | Core | 4 | Library Automation: Concepts and Components, Library Software Packages, Library Networks and Consortia, Internet and Web Resources, Digital Libraries: Principles and Practices |
| 21MLISC105P | Library Automation and Networking (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Hands-on experience with library automation software, Database creation and management, Network configuration basics, Effective web searching techniques, Introduction to digital library tools |
| 21MLISC106 | Computer Fundamentals (Supportive Course) | Supportive Course | 4 | Introduction to Computer Systems, Operating Systems: Concepts and Types, MS Office Applications, Internet Basics and Email, Data Representation and Number Systems |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MLISC201 | Information and Knowledge Organization (Classification - Practice) | Core | 4 | Library Classification: Theory and Principles, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), Colon Classification (CC), Practical Classification Schemes |
| 21MLISC202 | Information and Knowledge Organization (Cataloguing - Practice) | Core | 4 | Library Cataloguing: Theory and Principles, Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR-II), Machine-Readable Cataloguing (MARC21), Practical Cataloguing of various materials, Subject Cataloguing and Indexing |
| 21MLISC203 | Information Storage and Retrieval Systems | Core | 4 | Information Retrieval Models, Indexing Systems: Pre-coordinate and Post-coordinate, Abstracting: Principles and Types, Thesaurus Construction and controlled vocabularies, Search Strategies and Query Formulation |
| 21MLISC204 | Research Methods and Statistical Techniques | Core | 4 | Research Design and Types of Research, Data Collection Methods and Tools, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and Inferential, Research Report Writing and Ethics |
| 21MLISC205P | Database Management Systems (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Introduction to DBMS concepts, SQL queries for data manipulation, Database design principles, Data entry and validation, Report generation from databases |
| 21MLISC206 | Web Designing and Publishing (Supportive Course) | Supportive Course | 4 | HTML: Structure and Elements, CSS: Styling Web Pages, JavaScript Basics, Web Page Design Principles, Content Management Systems (CMS) introduction |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MLISC301 | Academic Library System | Core | 4 | University Library System, College Library Management, Special Library Services, Resource Sharing and Library Consortia, Challenges and Trends in Academic Libraries |
| 21MLISC302 | Public Library System | Core | 4 | Public Library Movement and Philosophy, Public Library Legislation in India, Community Information Services, Extension Activities of Public Libraries, Role of Digital Public Libraries |
| 21MLISC303 | Information and Communication Technology Applications (Practical) | Practical | 4 | ICT in Libraries: Tools and Techniques, Library software applications for various modules, Digital resources management and access, Web 2.0 tools for library services, Social media for library outreach |
| 21MLISE301 | Elective I - Digital Library | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Digital Library, Digitalization Process and Techniques, Metadata Standards and Dublin Core, Digital Preservation Strategies, Access Management and Rights |
| 21MLISE302 | Elective I - Content Management System | Elective | 4 | CMS basics and Architecture, Types of CMS: Open Source and Proprietary, WordPress, Joomla, Drupal platforms, Content Creation and Publishing Workflows, CMS Security and Maintenance |
| 21MLISE303 | Elective I - Health Information System | Elective | 4 | Health Information Sources, Medical Databases and Search Tools, Hospital Libraries and their services, Health Informatics and its applications, Ethical Issues in Health Information |
| 21MLISC304 | Bibliometrics and Scientometrics | Core | 4 | Bibliometrics Laws (Lotka, Bradford, Zipf), Citation Analysis and its applications, Impact Factor and Journal Rankings, H-index and other author level metrics, Scientometric Indicators and their use |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MLISE401 | Elective II - Data Mining | Elective | 4 | Data Mining Concepts and Applications, Data Preprocessing Techniques, Classification Algorithms, Clustering Algorithms, Ethical Issues in Data Mining |
| 21MLISE402 | Elective II - Big Data Analytics | Elective | 4 | Big Data Ecosystem, Hadoop and MapReduce Framework, Spark: Introduction and Architecture, Data Visualization Techniques, Case Studies and Challenges in Big Data |
| 21MLISE403 | Elective II - Intellectual Property Rights | Elective | 4 | Introduction to IPR Concepts, Copyright and Related Rights, Patents and Trademarks, Plagiarism and Infringement, Cyber Laws and Digital Rights Management |
| 21MLISC401 | Scholarly Communication and Publishing | Core | 4 | Scholarly Publishing Process, Open Access Publishing Models, Copyright and Licensing in Publishing, Peer Review Process, Academic Ethics and Integrity |
| 21MLISC402 | Web Technology and Design (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Advanced HTML and CSS techniques, Web development frameworks introduction, JavaScript libraries and APIs, Responsive Web Design, Web Server Management basics |
| 21MLISCPJ | Project and Viva Voce | Project | 8 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Gap Analysis, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Oral Presentation |




