Introduction

The dawn of independence opened a new era of Library and Information science education in Pakistan. NWFP , the land of brave people could not gain any amenity from the British rulers in pre-partition era, but soon after three years of independence of Pakistan, University of Peshawar was established in 1950 while library - of the University of Peshawar started functioning in-1951. Academic faculties and their libraries itself needed trained library scientists that pushed the need forward for establishing department of Library& Information Sciences which was established in 1962, to cope with all future needs. It started postgraduate diploma course, DLS (now BLISc). Inspite of lack of funds, teaching staff, building, etc, the Master Degree Programme in Library and Information Sciences was started in 1983-84. Since its inception, the department has produced 945 library and information graduates. The Department is located on the 1st storey in the newly constructed building of the Faculty of Arts.

Vision

To prepare library professional by providing professional education and preparing them to meet the challenges of information explosion and its control at all levels.

Mission

To provide quality education in the field of Library and Information Science by utilizing all electronic and non- electronic means.

Objectives

• To produce trained library professionals for playing dynamic role in the improvement of library and education.
• To develop the concept of Library and Information Sciences in students as well as in community.
• To develop skills in students relating to solution of the problems occurred in libraries and information centres.
• To create awareness in students about documents and its management.
• To form a group of library scientists to play an effective role in the dissemination of information.

Outcomes

The programme is expected to:

• Create a trained group of Library & Information Scientists which would play a dynamic role in the Acquisition, Organization & Dissemination of Information.
• Develop skilled Human Resources which will be able to provide right information to right person at right time.

Courses

M.A (Previous)

(Paper I) Introduction to Library & Information Science
The course discusses development of book from ancient to present, introduction to information science, information technology and its role in libraries.

(Paper II) Development and Bibliographical Control
The paper provides knowledge on library resources and materials. Selection of library materials and other library resources, bibliographical control and collection development for library stock are also studies.

(Paper III) Introduction to Classification: Theory & Practice
The study stresses upon classification and classification systems emphasis is given on most important classification systems like DDC, LC and technique for classifying documents.

(Paper IV) Introduction to Cataloguing: Theory & Practice
The paper focuses on catalogue and cataloguing routines. Different techniques of cataloguing system and others retrieval devices are also studies.

(Paper V) Serial Management
Main focus of this course is on learning techniques for the management of serial publication, indexing and abstracting services and bibliographic citations of abstracts.

(Paper VI) Management of Library & Information Center
The Paper explores different types of libraries and information centers, and their services being provided to library users. It also includes library management techniques and other library operations.

(M.A. Final)

(Paper I) Information Technology & Libraries
The course includes basic concept and importance of information technology, information policy, basics of library automation and its application in libraries.

(Paper II) Advanced Technical Operations
The paper focuses on classification system, comparative study of major classification schemes, cataloguing of special materials, and also offers practical training to the students of practical aspects involved in classification, cataloguing operations.

(Paper III) Resource Sharing and Networking
The course covers the meaning and concept of resource sharing, resource sharing techniques, network and networking internet and data communication.

(Paper IV) Research Methodology
Main focus of this course is on learning different techniques for carrying out research.

(Paper V) Information Sources
The paper includes three options, the student has to opt any one.
i. Information Source on Science and Technology
ii. Information Source on Humanities and Social Sciences.
iii. Information Sources on Islam and Pakistan.
The course covers background, domain of information sources, databases on information sources and bibliographical control in information sources.

(Paper VI) Specialized course (Optional)
The students have to opt any one from the section.
i. Public Records, Rare and Archival Materials and Preservation.
ii. Communication and Media Librarianship.
iii. Management of Information Systems (MIS)
iv. Special Libraries.
v. Academic Libraries.
vi. Public Libraries and Legislation.
vii. Marketing of Library Information Services.
viii. Thesis.

(M.L.I.Sc) Old Course

Advance Classification: Theory & Practice
This course covers historical development of classification, book classification system, comparative study of classification schemes and class number building.

Advance Cataloguing: Theory & Practice
The course focuses on historical perspectives and comparative study of cataloguing codes, cataloguing of non-book materials and recent advances in cataloguing.

Advance Bibliography and Library Resources
The course discusses bibliography and bibliographical control, national and international bibliographical organizations, bibliographical description.

Specialization in Public and Academic Libraries
The Course includes aims and objectives of public library, place of public library in contemporary society, college and university library services\, organizational structure and personnel management, library cooperation.

Research Methods
The course covers definition and scope of research, place of library in research in library, formulation of research problems, collection, organization and interpretation of data, writing research report.

VIVA VOCE