Introduction

The Department of Library and Information Sciences was established in 1985 within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Besides MPhil (Library and Information Sciences), the LIS Department is offering/running six more programs as follows:

  1. Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS)
  2. BS (4-year) in Library and Information Sciences (BS4-LIS)
  3. Associate Degree in Library and Information Science (AD-LIS) for continuing students only
  4. Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) (for continuing students only)
  5. Certificate in Librarianship (CLS)
  6. PhD (Library and Information Sciences)

 

See more about the department, programs, faculty, and other information at https://lis.aiou.edu.pk/.

Objectives

The main objective of launching MPhil program was to contribute to the LIS literature internationally through high quality research particularly focusing on current and future needs. Secondly, there is a high demand from information professionals across Pakistan to have this program at the AIOU platform through unconventional means of education. Thirdly, there is a high number of LIS professionals working in Islamabad and Rawalpindi who intend to enhance their professional qualifications and they find no such program offered by public or private universities in this region. Other objectives include:

 

  • To address the local issues in LIS and provide a viable solution through research.
  • To enable LIS professionals to make informed decisions based on research.
  • To promote evidenced-based LIS practice through the use of relevant research.
  • To promote LIS research culture in Pakistan.
  • To enrich Pakistani LIS research literature through quality research projects.
  • To develop critical and analytical thinking skills of LIS research scholars.
  • To develop advanced information literacy skillsof research students.
  • To improve academic writing skills of LIS research students.
  • To improve soft skills of LIS research students.
  • To provide a specialized manpower to the LIS job market. and
  • To promote information entrepreneurship by establishing industry-academia linkagesthrough need-based research.

Eligibility Criteria

MPhil in LIS is a merit-based program. Any candidate having 16-year master’s degree or 4-year education after HSSC in Library and Information Sciencesor equivalent discipline with at least second division (45% marks) or equivalent CGPA/GPAfrom an HEC-recognized institution can apply for admission. The number of seats will be determined as per AIOU/HEC policy. The admission merit will be determined as per AIOU rules. To pass an admission test is compulsory with prescribed pass marks as per AIOU rules. Prescribed processing fee applies. 

 

Note1: No TA/DA or other expenses will be on the part of AIOU for admission test and interview. Interested candidates are required to apply as instructed in admission advertisement published in leading national dailies as well as on AIOU website <https://aiou.edu.pk/>.

Note 2:Candidates are advised to keep on watching websites of LIS Department <https://lis.aiou.edu.pk/> and AIOU <https://aiou.edu.pk>for updates. Our Facebook page ID is <LIS@AIOU official>.

Pre-requisites from MPhil (LIS) Students

An MPhil (LIS) student must have a latest computer and a smartphoneboth with internet connection to successfully complete this program.

Duration

This program spans minimum two years, one year for coursework and one year for thesis writing and submission. Maximum duration to complete this program is as per AIOU rules.

Medium of Instruction

English language will be the medium of study. Students may not opt for any other language for any of the components of this program.

Teaching Methodology

As per AIOU rules/policy.

AIOU Credits Required

There will be a two-semester MPhil coursework of 24 credit hours, consisting of eight courses of three credit hours each. All courses are of 100 marks each.The semester-wise breakup of the courses is as under:

Sr#

Course

Code

CrHrs

1

Advances in  Library and Information Sciences

8731

3

2

Quantitative Research

8734

3

3

Qualitative Research

8735

3

4

Philosophy of  Library and Information Sciences

8742

 

Sr#

Course

Code

CrHrs

5

Emerging Trends in Information Behaviour Research

8736

3

6

Data Analysis Tools

8738

3

7

Aids to Research

8739

3

8

Academic Writing and Publishing

8740

3

Elective / Major Courses:

 

Subsequent Semesters:

Sr#

Code

Course Title

Credit Hours

Semester#

9

8043

Thesis-1

6

3

10

8044

Thesis-2

6

4

 

Research Proposal and Thesis (Third and subsequent semesters)

As per AIOU rules

Note: The AIOU reserves the right to make any change(s) anytimein this program partly or wholly without prior notice.

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.