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
The scheme of study of this program 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
Intermediate
Selection Process
Open Merit
Duration
Medium of Instruction
Teaching Methodology
Online Distance Learning
Total Credits Hours Required
| Sr. No. | Course Title | Course Code | Credit Hours |
| 1 | Functional English | 9382 | 3 (3+0) |
| 2 | Islamic Studies / Ethics | 9401 / 5437 | 3 (3+0) |
| 3 | Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan | 9378 | 3 (3+0) |
| 4 | Quantitative Reasoning-I | 9424 | 3 (3+0) |
| 5 | Arabic | 9388 | 3 (3+0) |
| Total | 15 Credit Hours | ||
| Sr. No. | Course Title | Course Code | Credit Hours |
| 1 | Expository Writing | 9381 | 3 (3+0) |
| 2 | Civics and Community Engagement | 9385 | 3 (3+0) |
| 3 | Introduction to Sociology: Culture and Society | 9410 | 3 (3+0) |
| 4 | Quantitative Reasoning-II | 9383 | 3 (3+0) |
| 5 | Application of Information and Communication Technologies | 9384 | 3 (2+1) |
| 6 | Pakistan Studies | 9374 | 3 (3+0) |
| Total | 18 Credit Hours | ||
| Sr. No. | Course Title | Course Code | Credit Hours |
| 1 | Basics of Environmental Sciences | 9389 | 3 (2+1) |
| 2 | Entrepreneurship | 5026 | 3 (3+0) |
| 3 | Soft Skills (Personality Development) | 9201 | 3 (3+0) |
| 4 | Information Architecture | 9203 | 3 (3+0) |
| 5 | Management Basics for Information Professionals | 9218 | 3 (3+0) |
| 6 | Archives, Records, and Information Management | 9222 | 3 (3+0) |
| Total | 18 Credit Hours | ||
| Sr. No. | Course Title | Course Code | Credit Hours |
| 1 | Introduction to Library and Information Professions | 9202 | 3 (3+0) |
| 2 | Planning Library Building, Space and Services | 9205 | 3 (3+0) |
| 3 | Collection Development and Management | 9206 | 3 (3+0) |
| 4 | Classification and Subject Headings | 9208 | 3 (3+0) |
| 5 | Cataloguing and RDA | 9209 | 3 (3+0) |
| 6 | Information Literacy Instruction | 9230 | 3 (3+0) |
| Total | 18 Credit Hours | ||
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5
Semesters
Workshop
The online workshop for each course will comprise of 12 hours, with 2 hours daily for 6 days except for 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.
The teaching practice course will have a face to face 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).