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B-L-I-SC in General at University of Calicut
Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This B.L.I.Sc. program at University of Calicut focuses on equipping students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in managing libraries and information centers. In the dynamic Indian information landscape, this program addresses the critical need for trained professionals to organize, retrieve, and disseminate information effectively, catering to diverse societal demands and the rapid digital transformation within the sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into the library and information science domain, individuals passionate about knowledge management and dissemination, and those looking to contribute to educational and research institutions. It also caters to existing library staff aiming to formalize their qualifications or update their skills with modern information technologies and practices.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as librarians, information officers, document managers, or archivists in schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, and corporate sectors across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential into senior roles as expertise in digital libraries, information systems, and research services develops.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Classification & Cataloguing Basics- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the core principles of DDC and Colon Classification, and AACR-2R cataloguing rules. Regularly practice classifying and cataloguing diverse documents using official manuals provided in practical sessions.
Tools & Resources
DDC 23rd Edition, Colon Classification 6th Edition, AACR-2R manual, Institutional library''''s practice collections, Online tutorials for specific cataloguing software (e.g., Koha basics)
Career Connection
A strong foundation in these areas is crucial for accurate information organization, making information accessible, and forms the backbone of any library professional''''s skill set, directly impacting job performance in cataloguing departments and resource management.
Build Foundational IT Competency- (Semester 1)
Actively engage in all practical sessions for Information Technology Fundamentals. Become proficient in using the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for administrative tasks and understand basic computer networking and internet usage beyond casual browsing.
Tools & Resources
MS Office applications, Official university computer labs, Online tutorials like Microsoft Learn, NPTEL courses on computer fundamentals, Basic networking simulations
Career Connection
Modern libraries are highly automated. Proficiency in IT is non-negotiable for managing digital resources, automating library operations, and supporting users with technology, making graduates highly employable in tech-driven library environments and digital information centers.
Engage with Library Associations & Current Trends- (Semester 1)
Familiarize yourself with major Indian and international library associations like ILA, IASLIC, and ALA. Follow their publications and newsletters to stay updated on current trends, policies, and advancements in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field.
Tools & Resources
Websites of ILA (Indian Library Association), IASLIC (Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres), ALA (American Library Association), Reputed LIS journals and magazines
Career Connection
Staying informed about industry standards and developments is key for professional growth, ethical practice, and identifying future career opportunities or niche areas in the evolving information landscape, particularly in India''''s rapidly digitizing context.
Intermediate Stage
Practical Application of Library Management Principles- (Semester 2)
Actively seek opportunities to observe and understand the daily operations and management challenges of a functional library. Participate in student committees or volunteer at the university library to apply management theories learned in class.
Tools & Resources
University library staff mentorship, Case studies on library administration, Project reports on library management, Observations of local public/academic libraries in Kerala
Career Connection
Hands-on exposure to library management enhances leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of operational realities, preparing students for managerial and administrative roles within information centers and public service organizations.
Develop Robust Research & Information Retrieval Skills- (Semester 2)
Meticulously practice literature searching, evaluation of information sources, and understanding various information systems and services. Focus on developing strong research methodology and data collection skills, crucial for the dissertation or project work.
Tools & Resources
University library databases (Scopus, Web of Science, J-Gate), Google Scholar, Reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), Basic statistical software (SPSS, R basics)
Career Connection
Proficient research and information retrieval skills are vital for academic librarians, information analysts, and anyone involved in generating or disseminating knowledge. These skills make graduates invaluable for research support roles and competitive in academic sectors and corporate R&D.
Engage in Library Automation and Digital Resource Management Projects- (Semester 2)
Participate enthusiastically in practical sessions involving library automation software. Try to contribute to a mini-project on automating a small collection or creating an institutional repository mock-up using open-source tools.
Tools & Resources
Open-source ILS (Integrated Library Systems) like Koha, DSpace for institutional repositories, Online tutorials for database management, University IT department support for technical guidance
Career Connection
Expertise in library automation and digital resource management is highly sought after. This practical skill directly prepares students for roles in modern, technology-driven libraries, digital archives, and content management, significantly improving placement prospects in the current market.
Advanced Stage
Build a Professional Network & Portfolio- (Post-Program)
Attend webinars, conferences, and workshops hosted by LIS associations and universities. Create a professional LinkedIn profile showcasing your skills, projects, and educational background. Prepare a digital portfolio of practical assignments and project work.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association events (online/offline) from ILA, IASLIC, Personal website/blog to host portfolio, GitHub for technical projects (if applicable)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and keeps you informed about industry needs in India. A strong portfolio effectively communicates your capabilities to potential employers, enhancing employability and professional visibility.
Pursue Specialized Certifications (if applicable)- (Post-Program)
Depending on career interests (e.g., digital curation, data management, specific ILS software), consider pursuing short-term online certifications or advanced diploma courses to add specialized skills in high-demand areas.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on LIS topics, Coursera/edX for library science specializations, Vendor-specific training for ILS platforms (e.g., Koha administration), Workshops on digital preservation and archiving
Career Connection
Specialized certifications can differentiate candidates, demonstrate proactive learning, and qualify them for niche roles with higher earning potential in specific information environments, making them more competitive in a specialized job market.
Prepare for Government & Public Sector Opportunities- (undefined)
Research recruitment processes for librarian positions in government organizations, public sector undertakings, and national libraries in India (e.g., KPSC, UPSC, various ministries). Focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and LIS-specific competitive exam patterns.
Tools & Resources
Government job portals (e.g., Kerala PSC, Staff Selection Commission), Competitive exam guides for library science, Current affairs magazines and websites, Mock tests and previous year question papers
Career Connection
Many stable and well-paying librarian positions are in the public sector in India. Strategic and focused preparation increases the chances of securing these coveted roles, offering long-term career stability, comprehensive benefits, and a significant societal impact.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with not less than 45% marks in aggregate from the University of Calicut or any other University or Institution recognized by the University of Calicut as equivalent thereto. (Relaxation for OBC/SC/ST candidates as per University Rules)
Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
Credits: 56 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLI 1C01 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | Core | 4 | Library as a social institution, Library movement in India, Library Legislation, Five Laws of Library Science, Types of libraries, National and International library associations |
| BLI 1C02 | Knowledge Organization: Classification (Theory) | Core | 4 | Universe of Knowledge, Modes of Formation of Subjects, Normative Principles of Classification, Library Classification Schemes, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Colon Classification (CC) |
| BLI 1C03 | Knowledge Organization: Cataloguing (Theory) | Core | 4 | Library Cataloguing, Normative Principles of Cataloguing, Types of Catalogue, Catalogue Codes, Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR-2), Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC 21) |
| BLI 1C04 | Information Technology: Fundamentals (Theory) | Core | 4 | Computer fundamentals, Generations of Computers, Input/Output Devices, Operating Systems, Computer networks, Internet basics, MS Office applications |
| BLI 1P05 | Practical - Knowledge Organization: Classification | Practical | 4 | Dewey Decimal Classification (23rd Edition) exercises, Colon Classification (6th Edition) exercises, Classifying various types of documents, Use of schedules and tables, Practical application of classification schemes |
| BLI 1P06 | Practical - Knowledge Organization: Cataloguing | Practical | 4 | AACR-2R (with examples), Cataloguing of monographs and serials, Cataloguing of non-book materials, MARC 21 format application, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) operation |
| BLI 1P07 | Practical - Information Technology | Practical | 4 | Operating system commands (Windows, Linux), Internet browsing and search techniques, Email management and communication, MS Word for document creation, MS Excel for data management, MS PowerPoint for presentations |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLI 2C08 | Library and Information Centre Management | Core | 4 | Principles of Management, Library Administration, Human Resource Management, Financial Management in Libraries, Collection Development and Maintenance, Library building and furniture standards |
| BLI 2C09 | Information Sources, Systems and Services | Core | 4 | Types of information sources, Reference sources (primary, secondary, tertiary), Information services, Reference service, Current Awareness Service (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) |
| BLI 2C10 | Research Methods and Statistics | Core | 4 | Research methods and types, Research design, Data collection methods (questionnaire, interview), Sampling techniques, Basic statistical tools, Report writing and presentation |
| BLI 2E01 | Elective - Academic Library System | Elective | 4 | Types of academic libraries, Structure and functions of academic libraries, Collection development policies, Services in academic libraries, UGC and higher education libraries, NAAC and quality assessment in libraries |
| BLI 2P12 | Practical - Information Sources and Services | Practical | 4 | Evaluation of reference sources, Literature search strategies, Query handling and reference interviews, Documentation services, Abstracting and Indexing services, Information literacy programs |
| BLI 2P13 | Practical - Library Automation and Digital Resource Management | Practical | 4 | Library automation software (e.g., Koha, SOUL), Database management in libraries, Digitization process and standards, Digital preservation techniques, Institutional repositories creation, Open Educational Resources (OER) |
| BLI 2D14 | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Research proposal writing, Literature review, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and formatting, Presentation skills, Ethical considerations in research |
