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. There is no merit and age determination. All students who fulfill above criteria will be given admission.

Selection Process

Interested candidates are advised to follow the admission procedure as laid down by the AIOU. For this purpose, visit AIOU website <https://aiou.edu.pk> or contact your Regional Office concerned or the LIS Department in this regard.

 

Pre-requisites from BS (LIS) Students

A BS (LIS) student must have a computer with internet connection to successfully complete this program. Download study material from AIOU or LIS Department website. Most updates are available at AIOU website <https:\\aiou.edu.pk> such as matters relating to admission, exam and result, workshops, assignments, and so on. A student should willingly be hard-working enough to get information and knowledge. Consult your AIOU-appointed tutors for technical and conceptual guidance. Take full benefit from your tutors and workshops. We are also providing guidance to students via LIS website <https://lis.aiou.edu.pk/> and our Facebook page <LIS@AIOU official>; hence join our Facebook page as well. Also keep in touch with your AIOU region concerned.

Duration

The Duration of BS (LIS) program is eight semesters, i.e. four years. However, AIOU reserves the right to make any change(s) anytime in this program partly or wholly without prior notice.

Medium of Instruction

English language only will be the medium of study for any of the components of this program. However, Urdu and/or English language can be opted for a course on Islamiyat OR Ethics only.

Teaching Methodology

This BS (4-year) in LIS will be offered in ODL mode using LMS. Visit AIOU website or contact your Region concerned or LIS Department for further information in this regard.

 

AIOU Credits Required

A student will have to complete 43 courses comprising 129 credit hours. All courses are of 100 marks each. The semester-wise break-up of these courses is as under.

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9407

English-I

3

2

9374

Pakistan Studies

3

3

5403

Basics of Information and Communication Technology

3

4

8413

Introduction to Logic

3

5

9201

Soft Skills (Personality Development)

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9408

English-II

3

2

9401 OR 5437

Islamiyat (اسلامیات) OR

Ethics (اخلاقیات) (for non-Muslims)

3

3

9266

Language Skills and Communicative Abilities

3

4

8411

Introduction to Psychology

3

5

9202

Introduction to Library and Information Professions

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9409

English-III

3

2

4431

Pre-Calculus

3

3

6404

General Science

3

4

9410

Introduction to Sociology, Culture & Society

3

5

8432

Economy of Pakistan

3

6

9204

Information Literacy

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9416

English-IV

3

2

4485

Introduction to Statistics

3

3

9205

Planning Library Building, Space and Services

3

4

9206

Collection Development and Management

3

5

9208

Classification and Subject Headings

3

6

9209

Cataloguing and RDA

 

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9203

Information Architecture

3

2

9207

 Information Science in Transition

3

3

9210

Integrated Library Automation Systems

3

4

9211

Library Public Services

3

5

9212

Library and Web Technology

3

6

9213

Library and Database Technology

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9214

Modern Information Retrieval Systems

3

2

9215

Communication Skills for Information Professionals

3

3

9216

Developing Digital Library

3

4

9217

Emerging Trends in Library and Information Services

3

5

9218

Management Basics for Information Professionals

3

6

9219

Library Analytics and Big Data

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9220

Library Security and Safety

3

2

9221

Marketing of Library and Information Services

3

3

9222

Archives, Records, and Information Management

3

4

9223

Knowledge Management

3

5

9224

Auditing Information Systems

3

6

9225

Development of Library

and Information Professionals

3

Sr#

Code

Course

CrHrs

1

9226

Research Methodology in Library and Information Sciences

3

2

9228

Evaluation of Library and Information Services

3

3

9229

Project Management in Libraries, Archives and Museums

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

About

The Allama Iqbal Open University was established in May, 1974, with the main objectives of providing educational opportunities to masses and to those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. During all these past years, the University has more than fulfilled this promise.