

MLISC in General at Sardar Patel University


Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is General at Sardar Patel University Anand?
This Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) program at Sardar Patel University focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in managing information resources and services. It addresses the evolving needs of libraries and information centers in the digital age, crucial for India''''s growing knowledge economy. The program emphasizes theoretical foundations and practical applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Library and Information Science graduates seeking advanced knowledge in LIS, professionals aiming to upskill in digital information management, or career changers transitioning into the information sector. It suits individuals passionate about information organization, retrieval, and dissemination, contributing to India''''s burgeoning digital ecosystem.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Digital Librarians, Information Managers, Archivists, Knowledge Managers, and Information Analysts. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in academic, public, corporate libraries, and government archives, aligning with national digital initiatives.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core LIS Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Build a strong foundation in information science, communication, and knowledge organization. Focus on classification and cataloguing principles, information retrieval, and fundamental ICT applications through rigorous study and practice of course material.
Tools & Resources
DDC manuals, AACR2 guides, LIS journals, Departmental tutorials
Career Connection
Strong conceptual understanding forms the bedrock for all LIS roles, ensuring effective information management and retrieval in any professional setting.
Develop Research Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Engage early with research methodologies and statistical techniques. Participate actively in departmental seminars and small group discussions on research papers to hone analytical and critical thinking skills essential for future dissertation work and evidence-based practice.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R basics, Zotero/Mendeley, UGC Care List journals
Career Connection
Research skills are vital for analyzing library data, evaluating information systems, and contributing to professional literature, enhancing problem-solving capabilities.
Hands-on ICT Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively practice with library software (e.g., SOUL, Koha), databases, and digital tools introduced in practical sessions. Aim for high proficiency in office suites, advanced internet searching, and basic system administration for modern information management roles.
Tools & Resources
SOUL 2.0/3.0, Koha tutorials, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Advanced Search
Career Connection
Digital proficiency is non-negotiable in contemporary LIS. Mastering these tools makes graduates highly employable for digital library, e-resource, and IT-enabled LIS positions.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Knowledge Acquisition- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into elective subjects like Academic, Public, or Special Library Systems, or Health/Business/Agricultural Information. Attend guest lectures and workshops organized by the department to gain insights into specific information domains relevant to the Indian context and industry.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, SWAYAM modules on LIS, Professional association webinars (ILA, IASLIC)
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge opens doors to niche roles in corporate, health, or academic sectors, allowing for focused career development and expert positioning.
Practical Skill Application- (Semester 3)
Apply theoretical knowledge through internships or project work. Seek opportunities to work on real-world problems in local libraries, archives, or information centers, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice in the Indian information landscape.
Tools & Resources
Local library internship programs, University career services for project leads, Networking events
Career Connection
Practical experience is highly valued by employers, providing tangible proof of skills and often leading to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations.
Network and Professional Engagement- (Semester 3)
Join professional LIS associations in India such as ILA or IASLIC, attend regional and national conferences, and connect with faculty and alumni. This builds valuable professional networks and exposes students to current trends, job opportunities, and mentorship in the LIS field.
Tools & Resources
ILA membership, IASLIC events, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for career advancement, providing access to job openings, industry insights, and potential collaborations that might not be publicly advertised.
Advanced Stage
Dissertation Excellence- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on the dissertation, choosing a relevant and impactful topic that addresses a current challenge in LIS, ideally with an India-specific context. Leverage strong research skills to contribute original work, crucial for demonstrating independent research capability and enhancing academic and professional profiles.
Tools & Resources
Research guides, Statistical software (R, Python), Grammarly/Turnitin
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases deep expertise and analytical ability, a significant asset for research roles, academic positions, or leadership in information organizations.
Information Systems Mastery- (Semester 4)
Gain advanced understanding of information system design, data management, and content management. Develop practical skills in using modern tools and platforms relevant to building and maintaining digital information resources, preparing for IT-enabled LIS roles in a rapidly digitizing India.
Tools & Resources
DSpace/Eprints for repositories, Joomla/WordPress for content management, SQL fundamentals
Career Connection
Mastery in information systems prepares graduates for roles in digital library development, database management, and information architecture, aligning with technological demands.
Career Strategy and Placement- (Semester 4)
Actively engage in career counseling, resume building workshops, and mock interviews tailored for LIS roles. Explore entrepreneurial avenues in information services and prepare for specific job roles in academic, corporate, public libraries, government archives, and digital content firms across India.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Resume/Cover letter templates, Placement cell workshops
Career Connection
Strategic career planning and effective placement preparation are key to securing desirable positions and launching a successful professional journey in the diverse LIS landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Lib.I.Sc. or equivalent examination with 50% marks in aggregate from Sardar Patel University or any other recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS 101 | Information, Communication and Society | Core | 4 | Information as a resource, Communication models, Information society concepts, Role of libraries in society, Information laws and ethics |
| MLIS 102 | Information Sources, Products and Services | Core | 4 | Types of information sources, Reference and information services, Electronic information resources, Abstracting and indexing services, Information products and their design |
| MLIS 103 | Information Retrieval Systems | Core | 4 | Information retrieval models, Indexing techniques and vocabulary control, Search strategies and query formulation, Evaluation of IR systems, Online search services |
| MLIS 104 | Information and Communication Technology Applications (Theory) | Core | 4 | Computer fundamentals and architecture, Operating systems, Computer networks and internet, Database management systems, Multimedia applications |
| MLIS 105 | Information and Communication Technology Applications (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Operating system commands, Word processing software, Spreadsheet applications, Presentation tools, Internet and email usage |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS 201 | Knowledge Organization (Classification-Theory) | Core | 4 | Knowledge organization systems, Theories of library classification, DDC and UDC schemes, Colon Classification, Facet analysis and notation |
| MLIS 202 | Knowledge Organization (Cataloguing-Theory) | Core | 4 | Cataloguing principles and practices, AACR-II rules, MARC21 format, Resource Description and Access (RDA), Bibliographic description standards |
| MLIS 203 | Research Methodology and Statistical Techniques | Core | 4 | Research design and types, Data collection methods, Sampling techniques, Statistical analysis tools, Report writing and presentation |
| MLIS 204 | Management of Information Institutions (Theory) | Core | 4 | Principles of library management, Human resource management, Financial management and budgeting, Total Quality Management (TQM), Marketing of information products |
| MLIS 205 | Internship / Project Work | Project | 4 | Practical training in library environments, Application of LIS skills, Project report preparation, Data analysis and interpretation, Professional ethics and conduct |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS 301 | Information Literacy | Core | 4 | Concepts of information literacy, Models of information literacy, Digital and media literacy, Information ethics and plagiarism, User education programs |
| MLIS 302 | Scientometrics and Informetrics | Core | 4 | Bibliometrics, scientometrics, informetrics, Citation analysis and impact factors, Co-citation and bibliographic coupling, Research evaluation metrics, Growth and obsolescence of literature |
| MLIS 303 | Digital Libraries and Digitization | Core | 4 | Concepts of digital libraries, Digitization process and planning, Metadata standards (Dublin Core), Digital preservation and archiving, Open access initiatives |
| MLIS 304 (A) | Academic Library System | Elective | 4 | Academic library functions, Collection development and management, Library services to users, Library consortia and resource sharing, Accreditation and quality assurance |
| MLIS 304 (B) | Public Library System | Elective | 4 | Public library legislation in India, Services to community and outreach, Extension activities, Rural and urban library development, Funding and administration |
| MLIS 304 (C) | Special Library System | Elective | 4 | Types of special libraries, Information products and services, User needs and specialized services, Knowledge management in special libraries, Resource sharing and networks |
| MLIS 305 (A) | Health Information System | Elective | 4 | Health information sources, Medical databases and e-resources, Hospital library management, Health informatics and telemedicine, Ethical issues in health information |
| MLIS 305 (B) | Business Information System | Elective | 4 | Business information sources, Market research and competitive intelligence, Corporate libraries and information centers, Intellectual property rights, Economic and financial databases |
| MLIS 305 (C) | Agricultural Information System | Elective | 4 | Agricultural information sources, Databases and e-resources in agriculture, Agricultural extension services, Rural development information, Information needs of farmers |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS 401 | Information System and Design | Core | 4 | System analysis and design methodologies, Database management systems, Data modeling and ER diagrams, Web-based information systems, User interface design |
| MLIS 402 | Information Marketing and Entrepreneurship | Core | 4 | Marketing principles for information products, Market research and analysis, Product development and pricing, Entrepreneurship in LIS, Business planning for information services |
| MLIS 403 | Data and Content Management | Core | 4 | Content management systems, Data warehousing and mining, Big data concepts and applications, Web content management, Information architecture |
| MLIS 404 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research problem identification, Literature review techniques, Data collection and analysis, Dissertation writing and formatting, Presentation and viva voce |




