

M-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 M.L.I.Sc. program at University of Calicut focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in managing information systems and services. It addresses the evolving needs of libraries and information centers in the digital age, emphasizing information organization, retrieval, and dissemination. The program is crucial in India, catering to the growing demand for skilled information professionals across various sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.L.I.Sc.) graduates seeking to deepen their expertise. It also suits working professionals in libraries, archives, or information centers who aim to upgrade their qualifications. Additionally, individuals passionate about information management, digital curation, and data organization will find this specialization highly rewarding, preparing them for advanced roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Digital Librarians, Information Managers, Archivists, Database Administrators, and Knowledge Managers. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 10 LPA. The program aligns with professional certifications in information management, offering significant growth trajectories in academic, public, and corporate sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core LIS Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently study the foundational theories of classification, cataloguing, and information retrieval. Utilize textbooks, online tutorials, and practice exercises to solidify understanding. Engage in peer study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus-prescribed textbooks, NPTEL LIS courses, KOHA documentation, DDC/CC manuals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for understanding advanced topics and forms the bedrock for practical application in future roles as information specialists or cataloguers, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Develop Practical Skills with ILS Software- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in lab sessions for Integrated Library Systems (ILS) like Koha. Practice cataloguing, circulation, and user management functions. Seek opportunities for hands-on experience in university libraries or local public libraries.
Tools & Resources
Koha Community, DSpace tutorials, University Library Internships
Career Connection
Proficiency in ILS software is a direct requirement for most library and information science jobs, making graduates job-ready for roles involving library automation and database management in Indian institutions.
Build Information Searching Expertise- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice searching techniques across various databases (e.g., EBSCO, J-Gate, Shodhganga). Understand Boolean operators, advanced search syntax, and evaluation of search results. Develop critical appraisal skills for information sources.
Tools & Resources
University E-resources portal, Google Scholar advanced search, ResearchGate
Career Connection
Excellent searching skills are invaluable for roles in reference services, research support, and data curation, enabling efficient retrieval of relevant information for users and organizations in India.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Research and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in research methods courses. Undertake mini-research projects, even if small-scale, focusing on data collection, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. Utilize tools like SPSS or R for basic data interpretation.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R tutorials, Research articles on Shodhganga, University research workshops
Career Connection
Research acumen is vital for roles in academic librarianship, information analysis, and policy formulation, preparing students for evidence-based decision-making in Indian research institutions.
Explore Digital Library Technologies- (Semester 3-4)
Familiarize yourself with digital library platforms like DSpace or EPrints. Understand the digitization process, metadata standards, and digital preservation techniques. Attend webinars or workshops on digital content management.
Tools & Resources
DSpace/EPrints documentation, National Digital Library of India (NDLI), NPTEL courses on Digital Libraries
Career Connection
Skills in digital library development and management are highly sought after in India''''s academic and cultural heritage institutions, leading to roles as Digital Archivists and Institutional Repository Managers.
Network with LIS Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops organized by professional bodies like ILA (Indian Library Association) or IASLIC. Connect with faculty, alumni, and industry experts. Participate in departmental events and guest lectures.
Tools & Resources
ILA/IASLIC websites, LinkedIn professional groups, University alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and job referrals, which are crucial for securing placements and understanding industry trends in the competitive Indian LIS market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a relevant research topic, conduct thorough literature review, and perform original research culminating in a well-written dissertation. Seek regular feedback from supervisors and present findings confidently.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Plagiarism checker software, Thesis writing workshops
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases research capabilities and independent thinking, enhancing employability for academic positions, research roles, and advanced studies in LIS in India.
Develop Specialized Elective Skills- (Semester 4)
Deep dive into your chosen elective subjects, whether it''''s academic library systems, bibliometrics, or information archiving. Gain practical experience through projects or case studies related to your specialization.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals, Professional certifications (e.g., Records Management), Industry reports
Career Connection
Specialized skills differentiate you in the job market, making you a preferred candidate for niche roles in specific types of libraries or information centers, aligning with growing industry demands in India.
Prepare for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 4)
Refine your resume, practice common interview questions, and prepare a portfolio of your projects and practical work. Attend mock interviews and career counseling sessions offered by the university placement cell.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Resume builders, Interview preparation guides, LinkedIn profiles of LIS professionals
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation significantly improves your chances of securing desirable job offers from top institutions and organizations across India immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.L.I.Sc. Degree (regular stream) of the University of Calicut or an equivalent degree from any other recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent grade) for all parts together. Relaxation for OBC/OEC/SC/ST candidates as per University rules.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS1C01 | Information, Communication and Society | Core | 4 | Information and Communication Models, Information Society, Information Generation and Dissemination, Knowledge Society and Economy, Intellectual Property Rights and Ethics |
| MLIS1C02 | Knowledge Organization – I (Classification Theory) | Core | 4 | Universe of Knowledge, Library Classification Principles, Classification Schemes (DDC, UDC, CC), Notation and Call Numbers, Trends in Classification |
| MLIS1C03 | Knowledge Organization – II (Cataloguing Theory) | Core | 4 | Library Cataloguing Principles, Cataloguing Codes (AACR-2, RDA), Metadata Standards (MARC 21, Dublin Core), Bibliographic Description, Subject Cataloguing and Authority Control |
| MLIS1C04 | Information Processing and Retrieval | Core | 4 | Information Retrieval Systems, Indexing and Abstracting, Boolean Logic and Query Formulation, Information Searching Techniques, Evaluation of IR Systems |
| MLIS1L05 | Practical – I (Knowledge Organization) | Lab | 4 | Classification Practice (DDC, CC, UDC), Subject Indexing Practice, Practical Application of Classification, Resource Organization Exercises, Handling Different Document Types |
| MLIS1L06 | Practical – II (Information Processing) | Lab | 4 | Cataloguing Practice (AACR-2, RDA), MARC 21 and Dublin Core Application, Bibliographic Record Creation, Integrated Library System Practice, Information System Design |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS2C07 | Research Methods and Statistical Techniques | Core | 4 | Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Tools and Analysis, Report Writing and Plagiarism |
| MLIS2C08 | Management of Library and Information Centres | Core | 4 | Principles of Management, Financial Management in Libraries, Human Resource Management, Collection Development and Management, Marketing of LIS Products and Services |
| MLIS2C09 | Information Sources, Products and Services | Core | 4 | Types of Information Sources, Reference and Information Services, Abstracting and Indexing Services, Information Products and Packaging, Current Trends in Information Services |
| MLIS2C10 | Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Applications in LIS | Core | 4 | Computer Fundamentals, Networking and Internet Technologies, Integrated Library Systems (ILS), Open Source Software for LIS, Web Technologies and Design |
| MLIS2L11 | Practical – III (ICT Applications) | Lab | 4 | Hands-on with ILS Software (e.g., Koha), Database Management Systems, Web Design and Content Management, Digital Tools for LIS Professionals, Information Security Practices |
| MLIS2L12 | Practical – IV (Information Sources and Services) | Lab | 4 | Reference Interview Practice, Database Searching Skills, E-Resource Management, User Education Programs, Designing Information Products |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS3C13 | Information Systems and Programme Management | Core | 4 | Information Systems Concepts, System Analysis and Design, Database Management for LIS, Project Management Techniques, Knowledge Management Systems |
| MLIS3C14 | Digital Libraries and Digitization | Core | 4 | Digital Library Architecture, Digitization Process and Standards, Metadata and Interoperability, Digital Preservation Strategies, Open Access and Institutional Repositories |
| MLIS3E01 | Elective – I (Any one of the following, choice depends on institutional offerings) | Elective | 4 | Public Library Systems, Academic Library Systems, Special Library Systems, School Library Systems, Corporate Information Systems |
| MLIS3E02 | Elective – II (Any one of the following, choice depends on institutional offerings) | Elective | 4 | Information Analysis and Consolidation, Bibliometrics and Scientometrics, Content Management Systems, Records Management, Health Sciences Information Systems |
| MLIS3L15 | Practical – V (Digital Libraries) | Lab | 4 | Building Institutional Repositories (DSpace, EPrints), Digitization Workflow, Image and Text Processing, Digital Preservation Tools, Metadata Schema Application |
| MLIS3P16 | Project | Project | 4 | Project Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLIS4C17 | Information Literacy and User Studies | Core | 4 | Concepts of Information Literacy, Models of Information Literacy, User Needs and Information Seeking Behavior, User Studies Methodologies, Designing Information Literacy Programs |
| MLIS4C18 | Marketing of Library and Information Products and Services | Core | 4 | Marketing Principles for LIS, Market Research in LIS, Product and Service Development, Promotion and Communication, Customer Relationship Management |
| MLIS4E03 | Elective – III (Any one of the following, choice depends on institutional offerings) | Elective | 4 | Research Support Services, Open Educational Resources, Cloud Computing in LIS, Data Analytics for LIS, Geographic Information Systems |
| MLIS4E04 | Elective – IV (Any one of the following, choice depends on institutional offerings) | Elective | 4 | Information Archiving and Preservation, Curation of Digital Content, Scholarly Communication, Intellectual Property Rights and Censorship, Webometrics and Altmetrics |
| MLIS4L19 | Practical – VI (User Studies and Marketing) | Lab | 4 | Conducting User Surveys, Developing Marketing Plans, Social Media for LIS Promotion, Designing Promotional Materials, Measuring User Satisfaction |
| MLIS4D20 | Dissertation | Dissertation | 4 | Advanced Research Methodology, In-depth Literature Review, Empirical Study and Analysis, Thesis Writing Standards, Defense and Presentation |




