Master in Library and Information Science (MLS) is a two-year degree with one year research component. It is placed at Level 10 of the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF).

The first year (Semesters 1 and 2) is spent on mastering theoretical background and competency development in Library and Information Science. The second-year mainly consists of the research project, research seminar, and the advanced research methodology course. Those who have completed the first year may proceed to the second year. Thus, the candidate who registers for the MLS completes 60 credits at the end of the course.

Entry qualifications to Postgraduate Diploma Leading to Master in Library and Information Science

The applicant should possess both A and B.

A) A First or Second Class Honours in the Special / General Degree awarded by a recognized university

OR

A bachelor’s degree of a recognized university along with a post-graduate Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in any field of study

OR

A bachelor’s degree of a recognized university along with the Associateship of the Sri Lanka Library Association or any other equivalent professional qualification in Library & Information Science; and

B) A minimum of one-year work experience in a recognized Library, information Center, or Documentation Center, after obtaining the educational qualification specified in the preceding paragraph.

Medium of instruction

The course will be conducted in English.

Course fee: Rs. 100,000. It is payable in two installments.

Course duration: Course duration is one year.

Delivery of lessons and assessment:

The classes will be held on Weekends (and some Fridays), at the NILIS, University of Colombo. Some lessons (20-30%) will be conducted online. Continuous assessments (individual and/or group work) will be conducted for each module. To sit for semester-end examinations, a candidate should fulfill the requirement of 80% attendance.

Course Outline:

Semester 1:

8111 Foundation of Library & Information Science and Information Society
8112 Collection Management
8113 Organization of Knowledge and Bibliographic Control
8114 Management Principles, Information Marketing, and Entrepreneurship
8115 Research Methodology

Semester 2:

PGDLIS 8216 Library Information System Management
PGDLIS 8217 Library Project Management
PGDLIS 8218 User needs, Behaviour and user education
PGDLIS 8219 Project Report

Semesters 3 and 4:

MLS 1031 Advanced Research Methodology
MLS 1032 Seminar on new trends in LIS
MLS 1043 Dissertation

Application process

Please send the completed application to NILIS, University of Colombo on or before the 18th 30th of September 2020 by registered post. Please attach the bank slip of application processing charges (Rs.250) along with the application. The account details have been given in the application.

Download the Application.