The broad objective of this programme is to equip the students competent with basic technical training both academic and professional knowledge, competencies in Library and Information Science.

 The specific intended learning objectives are:

•  To enable the student to apprehend the functions and purpose of library in changing socio, economic, political, academic and modern ICT environments;
•  To equip them with knowledge, skills and attitudes for the collection, organization, arrangement and the dissemination of information in different types of libraries and information centres;
•  To provide basic knowledge and aptitude of computing in order to serve in any LIS setting and to apply them for different types of LIS services;
•  To produce basic and mid-level professionals who can work in various types of libraries including information centres and digital libraries;
•  To prepare them for further studies and research in areas of library, ICT and other related fields;

In order to eligible for the entry to this study program, the applicant should fulfil one of the following requirements:

• Possess at least three passes at G.C.E. (Advanced Level Examination) and  ordinary  pass for English language at Ordinary Level Examination
• Successful completion of  G.C.E.(O.L.) examination and 0ne year experience in recognized library or equivalent qualification accepted by the Department

• Officials of Statutory bodies
• Educators
• Librarians / Assistant Librarians / Library Assistants
• Staff of village knowledge centers

The duration of the diploma program is two year. The Bridging course in Library and Information Science is one year. After successful completion of the Bridging course a certificate is awarded for candidate.

Diploma in Library and Information Science  -  Part I -  Syllabus

Paper 1 (LIS 101) – Librarianship and Information Technology

1.1.1 Introduction to Library and Information Science.

1.1.2.Historical development of libraries and library profession.

1.1.3.Library,  society and education

1.1.4.Types of libraries with special reference to school Libraries

1.1.5 Information Technology ; computer applications in information handling, Library automation

1.1.6 Communication; User education

 Paper 2 (LIS 102) – Collection Development and Technical Services

1.2.1  Collection development : methods and policies

1.2.2  Library materials: print and non-print media

1.2.3 Selection of library materials; selection tools

1.2.4 Acquisition procedure; ordering and receiving; accessioning

1.2.5 Processing of library materials

1.2.6 Storage and maintenance: conservation and preservation ; stock taking; weeding

 Paper 111 (LIS 103) – Information sources and user services

 1.3.1 Types of information sources

1.3.2 Introduction to user services

1.3.3 Reference sources

1.3.4 Reference services: planning and delivering

1.3.5 Loan procedure; Identification of users ; circulation work

1.3.6 Information services; National and International organizations

Paper 1V (LIS 104) – Organization of knowledge

 1.4.1 Introduction to bibliographic control

1.4.2 Cataloguing: objectives; Anglo-American cataloguing tradition

1.4.3 Bibliographical Description and Access points

1.4.4 Entries in a Catalogue ; Filing,  Maintenance of Catalogue

1.4.5 Classification: objectives; uses and main features

1.4.6 Dewey Decimal Classification ; main features; number building

1.4.7 Practical classification and cataloguing

 As a part of this paper every student is required to maintain a cataloguing and classification work book consisting of 25 entries. Books should be submitted to the Department for evaluation  one month before the commencement date of the examination.  Ratio of marks : Examination paper 75.  Workbook 25.

 Practical Training and observation Report

 Students shall have the opportunity to undergo a practical training in a library or information center  designated by the Department of study. Every student should submit an observation report on the institution he received training before the commencement date of the examination.  

 Paper1 ( LIS 201) Library Organization

 2.1.1   Library profession

2.1.2   Professional Associations & Organizations

2.1.3   Library standards

2.1.4   Resource sharing & networks.

2.1.5  New trends in  library & information services

2.1.6   In-depth studies in types of libraries.

Paper  2 ( LIS 202)  Organization of Knowledge

 2.2.1  Concept of  bibliographic control

2.2.2  Detail study of general classification schemes

2.2.3   Practical classification using DDC and UDC

2.2.4  Advanced cataloguing using AACR II

2.2.5 Subject cataloguing

2.2.6  Computerized cataloguing

 Paper  3 ( LIS 203)  Management of Libraries and Information Centres.

 2.3.1  Management principles & theories.

2.3.2  Human resource management.

2.3.3  Financial management

2.3.4   Planning and design of library  buildings & equipment.

2.3.5  Copyright and  censorship

2.3.6   Publishing industry & Book trade.

Paper  4 ( LIS 204)  Organization of  Information and  Documentation Services

 2.4.1  Indexing theories, techniques and  services.

2.4.2  Construction of thesaurus.

2.4.3  Compilation of bibliographies.

2.4.4  Abstracting and Abstracting services

2.4.5  Documentation centres and services

2.4.6  Information retrieval.                      

 As a part of this paper students need to compile a bibliography / index or a thesaurus on a given topic and  submit it to the Department of Library and Information Science one month prior to the commencement of the examination.  Ratio of marks: Examination paper 80. Assignment 20.