Master of Library and Information Science

Started in 2013, this two-year regular Master’s programme offered at the Mumbai Campus is designed to provide comprehensive academic and professional training. The programme consists of 23 courses carrying a total of 80 credits, revised from the earlier 66 credits in 2024 to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines. Admission is based on a national-level Common University Entrance Test (CUET), ensuring a fair and competitive selection process. With an intake capacity of only 15 seats, the programme maintains a focused learning environment, offering students the opportunity for in-depth engagement, personalized guidance and rigorous academic exposure.

Purpose and Vision

The MLISc programme addresses the growing need for skilled professionals capable of managing and organising digital information in a rapidly changing technological advancement. As institutions shift from print to digital formats, there is an urgent demand for individuals who can support knowledge access, manage digital collections and facilitate digital services. The programme trains professionals to respond to challenges faced by academic, research and public institutions in handling vast, complex and dynamic information environments. It develops expertise in areas such as digital libraries, resource management, knowledge systems, data management, applications of artificial intelligence tools, and scholarly communication. Through a combination of academic rigour and practical exposure, the programme prepares students to serve as effective library and knowledge managers. This expertise is vital for initiatives like Digital India, ensuring skilled individuals can lead and innovate within a rapidly changing information ecosystem.

Unique Course Features

The MLISc programme blends strong academic grounding with practical exposure to prepare professionals for dynamic roles in library and information management. The MLISc programme is offered in four semesters for 80 credits. It comprises 23 courses including 2 electives courses, 1 internship programme, 1 capstone project, and a dissertation for 12 credits in four semesters. The course includes concepts from foundation to new and emerging library trend like classification, cataloguing, information and communication technology, management of libraries, information storage and retrieval, scientometrics, webometrics, text and data mining, library automation, digital libraries, content management system, e-publishing, taxonomy, web ontology, artificial intelligence etc. This approach ensures students graduate with a balanced mix of theoretical insight, applied skills, and research capability.

Distinguishing Features

• Practice-based Learning: Courses integrate lectures with lab work, tutorials and field-based assignments. Lab sessions ensure familiarity with real-time systems and tools.
• Field Internship: In the first year, students are placed on one-month internship at a major university library, research institution or corporate library to learn in real situations.
• Capstone Project: The Capstone Project in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) program is a 6-credit course offered in the third semester. It focuses on the integration of technology with education and research within the students' specialization.
• Dissertation Work: Spanning a full year, the dissertation with 12 credits enables students to engage in independent inquiry and contribute meaningfully to LIS research under expert mentorship.
• Interdisciplinary Exposure: The programme draws from computer science, management, communication and education, encouraging a broad-based understanding of information science.

 

Courses and Learning Blocks

Pedagogical Approach

The courses are conducted through lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. The courses that require hands on-experience are held at the library. The library terminal room lab is well equipped with state-of-the-art systems with multimedia support including access to Internet. Small-group discussions allow students to explore issues in some depth. Students investigate a subject in depth or apply the technique they have learned in the classroom as part of course assignments.

Internships

In the first year, students are placed on one month internship at a major university library, research institution or corporate library to learn in real situations. This helps them to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations under the supervision of a faculty and field supervisor and enhance their understanding and problem solving.

Study visits

As part of their first-semester course, students of library and information science visit historical places, archives, museums, and research centers. Following these visits, they prepare case study reports on the practices of preservation, conservation, and management of archival resources in various institutions.

Capstone project

The Capstone Project in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) program is a 6-credit course offered in the third semester. It focuses on the integration of technology with education and research within the students' specialization. This project facilitates deep academic exploration, encourages the application of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and supports the development of professional competencies.

Research

Each student compulsory takes up a research projects with 12 credits and works for a year under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. This will have his/her research skills honed. This helps student to read the new trends in library and information science. Student focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of an issue/problem chosen and places emphasis on providing recommendation for implementing action plans.

Unique Learning Environment

Courses are conducted through lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. These sessions are held in the Computer Lab and are led by faculty members and the staff of the Sir Dorabji Tata Memorial Library. Additionally, several eminent individuals from leading research institutions are invited to deliver guest lectures. Courses that require hands-on experience are held at the SDTM library. The terminal lab is well-equipped with 21 state-of-the-art computer systems and high-speed internet. Small-group discussions enable students to explore issues in depth, while regular laboratory sessions provide practical, hands-on experience. As part of their course assignments, students investigate a subject in depth or apply the techniques they have learned in the classroom. Interaction with staff and fellow students is a crucial part of the learning process. The diverse backgrounds of the students further contribute to an exciting and dynamic learning environment.

National/International Collaboration

The Centre has established academic and research exchange and collaborations with the London School of Economics, UK; Mahasarakham University, Thailand; DRTC, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangaluru, and Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET), Gandhinagar.

Career Pathways and Opportunities

Students of the MLISc programme develop comprehensive knowledge, skills and competencies that prepare them for diverse career opportunities across multiple sectors. They can pursue roles in various types of libraries including academic institutions (schools, colleges and universities), research institutions, corporate settings, information centers and documentation centers. Additionally, graduates find opportunities with publishers, content providers, media houses, NGOs, archives and museums. The programme's comprehensive training ensures that students are well-equipped to take advantage of numerous employment opportunities in both government and non-government organizations upon completion of their studies.

Who Should Apply

The MLISc programme is ideal for graduates from any discipline who are curious about library and knowledge systems, enjoy working with information, and are interested in technology-driven services. It suits those who aspire to build careers in academic, research, corporate, or special libraries, as well as in archives, museums, publishing and information centres. Applicants should value accuracy, organisation, and user-focused service. A strong interest in digital tools, information ethics, and learning support will align well with the programme’s goals. It is especially suited for those who seek to contribute to education, research and information access in an evolving digital and knowledge-based society.

Eligibility for MLISc

• Candidates should have successfully completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree of a minimum of 3 or 4 years duration or its equivalent (under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or 10+2+2+1 year bridge course pattern of study or any other pattern fulfilling the mandatory requirements of 15 years formal education) from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India.
• At the time of applying candidates studying in 3-year degree programmes should have passed in all the subjects for the 1st to 4th semesters and candidates studying in 4-year degree programmes should have passed in all the subjects for the 1st to 6th semester.
• Until a candidate submits their degree certificate and final mark/grade sheet as evidence of having successfully completed the eligibility criteria by the given date, the admission offered will remain provisional.
• Eligibility, determined on the basis of information provided in the application, will be used for the final selection process.

Admission

Admissions to the Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) programme are based on the Common University Entrance Examination (CUET PG) score (weightage 100%). There will be NO Extempore Reflection Test/Group Discussions/Online Personal Interviews. All rules related to reservations of seats under different categories and priorities will be applied for final seat allocation through the merit list/waitlist. For information on the application procedure, fees, dateline and admission-related information, please visit the TISS website at https://admissions.tiss.ac.in/.

International Students

International students can visit https://admissions.tiss.ac.in/ for more details about programme eligibility, qualifications, fees, and other important information.

 

Medals and Prizes in MLISc
	MLISc 2022-24 Batch
	Saurabh Kumar Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Jenny Prisca Barla Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Jenny Prisca Barla Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2021-23 Batch
	Sagar Narayan Revandkar Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Katyayani Kapil Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Ikshita Rao Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2020-22 Batch
	Arya P. S. Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Sanjay Toppo Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	No award Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2019-21 Batch
	Priti Mukhopadhyay Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Veineithem Gena Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	No award Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2018-20 Batch
	Garima Gujral Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Dhanya R. Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	No award Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2017-19 Batch
	Malavika Reddy Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Sagiruddin Ahmed Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Sagiruddin Ahmed Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2016-18 Batch
	Muhammed Sadiq T. Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Anjali Mashahary Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Muhammed Sadiq T. Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2015-17 Batch
	Murchana Borah Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Nishant Kashyap Ghatowar Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Murchana Borah Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2014-16 Batch
	Aditi Bhandarkar Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	A.B. Deepak Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Nandini Dasgupta Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science
	MLISc 2013-15 Batch
	Nayana Nair Institute Gold Medal to the Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Niharika Bohra Institute Silver Medal to the Second Best Student in Master of Library and Information Science
	Arjun Sanyal Prize to the Best Research Project in Master of Library and Information Science