New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) invites applications for Masters and Bachelors in Library Science for students aspiring to be employed in various libraries and information centres.

Information access, processing, organisation and dissemination are the core components of these programmes. Unlike the Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Courses of other Universities, IGNOU’s MLIS programme puts emphasis on handling and access to information in all forms rather than the conventional library activities. The popularity of the course has resulted in spreading its wing to other countries like Mauritius, Dubai, Kuwait, etc.

The MLIS programme is available to the candidates who have Bachelors in Library and Information Science (BLIS) Degree or its equivalent from any recognised university and similar institutions. However, weightage will be given to the candidates having working experience in libraries, information centre or other related organisations.

The university also offers BLIS programme in response to the demand for a large number of trained personnel in libraries, documentation and information centres. The programme consists of nine courses; of these seven courses deal with the theoretical aspects of this discipline, while two courses are meant to provide practical exercises to the learners. Medium of instruction for this programme is English and Hindi.

Candidates with second class Bachelors Degree's along with 50 per cent Marks are eligible to apply for the BLIS programme. However, candidates with Bachelors Degree plus Diploma in Library Science or Bachelors Degree with two years of working experience in a Library & Information Centre or Bachelors Degree in a Professional area such as Engineering, Pharmacy, Law etc are also eligible to apply.

Trained library professionals can find opportunities for employment both as teacher and as a Librarian. In fact, it is possible to choose the kind of library to suit one’s interest and background. In Librarianship, designations could be Librarian, Documentation Officer, Assistant Librarian, Deputy Librarian, Scientist (Library Science/ Documentation),

Library and Information Officer, Knowledge Manager/ Officer, Information Executive, Director/Head of Library Services, Information Officer, and Information Analyst.

The last date to apply for both the programmes is 30th July 2012 without late fee and 14th August 2012 with late fee of Rs.200. Student handbook and prospectus is available in all the regional centers of the university as well as in the university’s headquarters which can be purchased for Rs.100 and submitted along with the requisite fee in the form of a demand draft to the concerned regional centre.