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BS Library and Information Sciences

Introduction

Postgraduate library education in Pakistan started in 1956 by the University of Karachi. In the mid-eighties there were six library science departments all over the country. But they were not producing the required number of trained professional graduates as per demand. Moreover, the rate of technological change created by television, computer and other mass media was so stunning that many librarians had been unable to assess clearly its far-reaching effects on the sphere of their services and operation. Thus keeping in view the demand of professional staff and mission of AIOU, the Department of Library and Information Sciences was established in 1985 within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities to cope with this shortage and change. It contributes to meeting the professional requirements of the existing libraries and training skilled manpower scattered all over the country in accordance with the emerging need and trend.

OBJECTIVES

This is a new 4-year program. This scheme of study focuses to give students an understanding of the general subjects and theories, principles and methodologies that form the foundation of LIS. This program intends to enhance student’s abilities in planning and controlling library functions. The new scheme of study will produce highly skilled professional human resource to serve the libraries, resource centers, documentation centers, archives, museums, information centers, and LIS schools. This gives students a proficiency in the skills of management, research, ICT, advocacy, problem-solving, and decision making relevant to information work in a rapidly changing environment along with integrity and social responsibility. This scheme also intends to inculcate entrepreneur skills in graduates.

Eligibility Criteria

An applicant having intermediate/higher secondary school pass certificate or equivalent in second division (at least 45% marks) with any subject(s) from any recognized institution is eligible for admission. 

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

04 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Open Distance Learning

 

Total Credits Hours Required

135

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

9382

Functional English

3 (3+0)

2

9401 / 5437

Islamic Studies / Ethics

3 (3+0)

3

9378

Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan

3 (3+0)

4

9424

Quantitative Reasoning-I

3 (3+0)

5

9388

Arabic

3 (3+0)

   

Total Credit Hours

15

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

9381

Expository Writing

3 (3+0)

2

9385

Civics and Community Engagement

3 (3+0)

3

9410

Introduction to Sociology, Culture and Society

3 (3+0)

4

9383

Quantitative Reasoning-II

3 (3+0)

5

9384

Application of Information and Communication Technologies

3 (2+1)

6

9374

Pakistan Studies

3 (3+0)

   

Total Credit Hours

18

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

9389

Basics of Environmental Sciences

3 (2+1)

2

5026

Entrepreneurship

3 (3+0)

3

9201

Soft Skills (Personality Development)

3 (3+0)

4

9203

Information Architecture

3 (3+0)

5

9218

Management Basics for Information Professionals

3 (3+0)

6

9222

Archives, Records, and Information Management

3 (3+0)

   

Total Credit Hours

18

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

9202

Introduction to Library and Information Professions

3 (3+0)

2

9205

Planning Library Building, Space and Services

3 (3+0)

3

9206

Collection Development and Management

3 (3+0)

4

9208

Classification and Subject Headings

3 (3+0)

5

9209

Cataloguing and RDA

3 (3+0)

6

9230

Information Literacy Instruction

3 (3+0)

   

Total Credit Hours

18

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

5401

Principles of Accounting

3 (3+0)

2

9210

Integrated Library Automation Systems

3 (3+0)

3

9211

Library Public Services

3 (3+0)

4

9231

Library Website: Design and Development

3 (3+0)

5

9213

Library and Database Technology

3 (3+0)

6

9214

Modern Information Retrieval Systems

3 (3+0)

7

9487

Fahm-e-Quran

Non-Credit

   

Total Credit Hours

18

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

8411

Introduction to Psychology

3 (3+0)

2

9215

Communication Skills for Information Professionals

3 (3+0)

3

9216

Developing Digital Library

3 (3+0)

4

9217

Emerging Trends in Library and Information Services

3 (3+0)

5

9219

Library Analytics and Big Data

3 (3+0)

6

9220

Library Security and Safety

3 (3+0)

7

9488

Seerat-e-Tayyaba

Non-Credit

   

Total Credit Hours

18

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

5402

Fundamentals of Business

3 (3+0)

2

9221

Marketing of Library and Information Services

3 (3+0)

3

9223

Knowledge Management

3 (3+0)

4

9232

Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

3 (3+0)

5

9233

Internship

3 (3+0)

   

Total Credit Hours

15

Sr#

Code

Course

Cr. Hrs

1

9263

Public Relations

3 (3+0)

2

9226

Research Methodology in Library and Information Sciences

3 (3+0)

3

9228

Evaluation of Library and Information Services

3 (3+0)

4

9229

Project Management in Libraries, Archives and Museums

3 (3+0)

5

9234

Capstone Project (LIS)

3 (3+0)

   

Total Credit Hours

15

1

2

3

4

5

Semesters

08

Workshop

The online workshop for each course will comprise of 12 hours, with 2 hours daily for 6 days except for the teaching practice and project as per AIOU policy. Each semester will have a workshop for the courses offered in that particular semester. There will be an online quiz for every course at the end of the workshop.

Assessment Weightage

Assignments (Weightage) Workshop (Attendance & Quizzes) (Weightage) Final Exam (Weightage) Passing Marks 
20% 30% Quiz 50% 50% (in aggregate). However, 40% marks in final exams is mandatory.

Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).