Online MLIS is extremely versatile, allowing students to access course materials whenever and wherever they please. Perfect for those juggling other commitments while studying, the Online MLIS curriculum covers everything from the theoretical principles of librarianship. With this balanced approach to learning, students are sure to gain the essential skills needed to navigate today's library environments efficiently. So, let’s read out details of the course: 

Key Features of Online MLIS

• Online MLIS degrees offer a number of key advantages that make them attractive choices for library and information professionals. 
• An Online MLIS degree provides a comprehensive understanding of library science and information management through the coursework of a variety of subjects.
• Additionally, this program often integrates emerging technologies relevant to libraries today—such as data analytics or knowledge organisation systems—to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the modern challenges faced by information professionals working in both traditional and digital environments.

Syllabus

Let us look into the syllabus for each semester to get an idea of what an online MLIS program consists of.

Application Criteria 

Admission to MLIS degree programs includes the following criteria:

• A bachelor's degree in library science stream or BLIS course is required to be eligible for MLIS.
• A 50% score in the previous BLIS course is required.
• DU, for example, conducts an entrance exam for MLIS admission.
• This library course does not have an age requirement.
• The entrance exam and merit score will determine admission.

Course Duration

The Online MLIS program offers a flexible and convenient pathway for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in library and information science. The duration of this esteemed Distance MLIS course typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, allowing students to complete their studies at their own pace and convenience. However, it is important to note that the exact duration may vary depending on the specific university offering the program. This is because each institution tailors its curriculum and coursework structure.

Admission process

Here is the online admission process for the MLIS Distance Education program at Indian universities.

• Go to the website of the university offering a distance learning MLISc program.
• Go to the online admissions page.
• Please complete the two sections: Registration and Application Form.
• Upload the documents 
• Fees for application and admission must be paid in the next step. 
• The application must be submitted.

By reviewing the application, the academy will select the candidate for the interview or directly send out an email for the admission offer.

Fee Details

The fee of the Online MLIS degree program is a crucial aspect to consider when embarking on this educational journey. With an average range of INR 50,000 to 1.20 Lakh per year, it offers students the opportunity to invest in their future and acquire essential knowledge and skills in library and information science. While slight variations might occur over time due to factors such as inflation or changes in resources, the overall affordability of this program ensures accessibility for aspiring professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects in the dynamic field of information management.

Specialisation

Digital Library: This course is beneficial for those looking to explore and sharpen their knowledge of Digital Library. It provides information on the protocols and standards that should be followed, as well as rules around Intellectual Property Rights and legal matters. This course can also aid in the evaluation, planning and launching of new libraries. 

Information Sources and Library Services: The professional practicum will enhance your capacity to take out the necessary data and use it to generate optimal results through this diploma course in Information Sources and Library Services. The Information Sources and Library Services course will also teach you how to utilise these sources for library services. 

Library Automation and Digitisation: The Library Automation and Digitisation course uses the latest technology to enhance the facilities and services of libraries that exist today. As a result of this course, the candidate will be well versed in all the major concepts needed to master the exam.

ICT Fundamentals: It aims to prepare candidates for a career in Library and Information Science through the ICT Fundamentals Certification Course. A bright career with professional gains can be achieved by learning the basics of computer technology and communication technology through this course.

ICT in Libraries: Programme Certificate in Library and Information Science includes an ICT in Libraries training course. In this course, you will learn how to efficiently utilise Ubuntu, LibreOffice Writer, Impress, and Calc for daily tasks. It is aimed at librarians working in schools, colleges, public libraries, and universities.

Strategic Planning for Public Libraries: This comprehensive programme of Strategic planning for public libraries will be instructed by an expert faculty, as part of the wider Public library management course. It includes a free audit session, which can be upgraded to a verified account with the added perk of certification, graded assessment and access to all associated materials.

Career Opportunities

Some of those MLIS jobs and positions are described below:

Academic Librarian: In an academic calendar, libraries run to strengthen the educational modules of a school or college by overseeing educational depositories related to material. 

Library Attendant: Besides accumulating records, and sorting and holding books, they also issue and obtain library materials, including pictures, cards, slides, and microfilms. They also enrol supporters so they can receive books, periodicals, and other study materials.

Information Analyst: During the system work, information analysts collect, manage, analyse, and keep all data. They prepare reports for details on performances and processes.

Technical Writer: Basically, technical writers assist in the setup aid job. They assimilate and check information for technical documents. They are responsible for guiding, announcing, and communicating with the staff.

Top Hiring Firms

When it comes to pursuing an Online MLIS degree in India, understanding the recruiters who actively seek out graduates in this field is crucial. Several prominent organisations and institutions stand out as top recruiters for individuals with an MLIS qualification. One such recruiter is the National Library of India, which serves as a hub for information and knowledge sharing nationwide. With its vast collection of books and digital resources, the National Library seeks skilled professionals from various disciplines, including MLIS graduates, to manage their extensive archives effectively. 

• Spelman Johnson
• LAC Group
• John Keister & Associates
• IIT
• NIT
• TCS

These leading recruiters provide enticing prospects for aspiring professionals seeking employment after completing their Online MLIS degree program in India.

Mode of Classes to Opt

Offline MLIS program: A Master's degree in Library and Information Science is a one-year program that is taught at a postgraduate level and lasts one year. It is designed specifically for students who wish to work as librarians. In order to take this course, students must have a comparable undergraduate background.

This course offers students multiple skills such as handling the library, grasping computer applications, and understanding the basics of computers. Additionally, they are trained in efficient statistical methods, planning and management. Admissions to library-related courses like MLIS are conducted once a year in June or July on a merit basis as only a handful of Indian colleges offer them. Besides helping users access relevant research and data through search results, librarians also serve as mentors by aiding them with the evaluation of references.

Top Universities 

Numerous universities provide online MLIS courses. Below are the popular universities that give excellent curriculum for the students with the minimum fee.

What Are The Reasons For Choosing Online MLIS?

Study from home: For adult students, distance education is a great way to pursue a library degree from a top-notch program without needing to relocate or disrupt their family life or current income. There's also an advantage when there is not an accredited institution close by. 

Internships and hands-on programs are available: It is true that distance learners do not have the same access to "extras" such as internships, teaching assistant (TA) positions, experiential learning opportunities, and local scholarships as residential students. This could be a big issue for recent graduates who may need these kinds of experiences to boost their resumes when job searching.

On-Campus Degree Equivalency: Many distance learners worry whether what they are learning is the same as those attending in person. It is crucial to make sure that the same course content is being offered, regardless of the delivery model employed by the school. Distancе lеarnеrs should also vеrify that thеy arе treated fairly and gradеd appropriately. Thеy should also chеck if thе necessary tools for discussions, collaboration, and assignmеnt tracking arе availablе.

Why Choosе an Educational Loan for an Onlinе MLIS Program?

Securing an onlinе Mastеr of Library and Information Scіеncе (MLIS) degree has bеcomе increasingly crucial in today's digital еra. Howеvеr, thе expenses associated with pursuing highеr education can oftеn discouragе pеoplе from realising their acadеmic ambitions. In such situations, an education loan bеcomеs a crucial financial resources, allowing aspiring librarians to pursue an MIS degree without making compromises. By taking advantagе of this opportunity, students not only rеcеivе thе financial support nееdеd to covеr tuition fees but also gain accеss to invaluablе rеsourcеs and nеtworking opportunities in thе library sciеncе fiеld. This financial assistance еnablеs students to fully dedicate themselves to thеir studiеs and concеntratе on gaining practical skills that will mould them into compеtеnt information profеssionals. Furthеrmorе, education loans for onlinе MLIS degrees providе equitable opportunities for individuals from divеrsе backgrounds who might othеrwisе facе financial obstaclеs whеn sееking quality еducation through traditional mеans.

Conclusion

Individuals with a dееp passion for knowlеdgе and literature can pursue a career in libraries across the country by enrolling in an Onlinе MLIS program. This graduate-level program еquips studеnts with thе essential skills required for a career in librarianship, еncompassing both traditional and digital rеsourcеs, considering that tеchnology plays an incrеasingly prominеnt rolе in gathеring information. Numеrous univеrsitiеs offеring onlinе MLIS programs arе listеd abovе, and intеrеstеd individuals can apply to thеsе institutions based on thеir application requirements.