A nation's capacity to empower its citizens and increase human potential is determined by its ability to create and use knowledge as capital. The development of libraries has been intrinsically linked to the evolution of civilization, culture, and education. A library is a testament to a society's cultural maturity, as it enriches both culture and civilization. It is often described as the "pulsing heart" of an educational institution, providing invaluable intellectual resources to the academic community and serving as a crucial national asset. Libraries are essential in fulfilling an institution's three primary objectives: teaching, research, and the dissemination of knowledge.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has a long and proud history of developing its library system in tandem with emerging technologies. As a nationally recognized institution specializing in the social sciences, the TISS library has successfully adopted modern information technologies to expand its services and provide faster access to resources. The Centre for Library and Information Management Studies (CLIMS) was established in 2012 to oversee MLISc, PGDLIM and PhD academic programs. These programs are envisioned as a unique offering that will meet the growing need for specialized training for aspiring and current information professionals.

1. Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc)

Started in 2013, this two-year regular Master’s programme offered at the Mumbai Campus is designed to provide comprehensive academic and professional training. The programme consists of 23 courses carrying a total of 80 credits, revised from the earlier 66 credits in 2024 to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines. Admission is based on a national-level Common University Entrance Test (CUET), ensuring a fair and competitive selection process. With an intake capacity of only 15 seats, the programme maintains a focused learning environment, offering students the opportunity for in-depth engagement, personalized guidance and rigorous academic exposure.

The MLISc programme blends strong academic grounding with practical exposure to prepare professionals for dynamic roles in library and information management. The MLISc programme is offered in four semesters for 80 credits. It comprises 23 courses including 2 electives courses, 1 internship programme, 1 capstone project, and a dissertation for 12 credits in four semesters. The course includes concepts from foundation to new and emerging library trend like classification, cataloguing, information and communication technology, management of libraries, information storage and retrieval, scientometrics, webometrics, text and data mining, library automation, digital libraries, content management system, e-publishing, taxonomy, web ontology, artificial intelligence etc. This approach ensures students graduate with a balanced mix of theoretical insight, applied skills, and research capability.

Pedagogical Approach

The courses are conducted through lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. The courses that require hands on-experience are held at the library. The library terminal room lab is well equipped with state-of-the-art systems with multimedia support including access to Internet. Small-group discussions allow students to explore issues in some depth. Students investigate a subject in depth or apply the technique they have learned in the classroom as part of course assignments.

Internships

In the first year, students are placed on one month internship at a major university library, research institution or corporate library to learn in real situations. This helps them to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations under the supervision of a faculty and field supervisor and enhance their understanding and problem solving.

Study visits

As part of their first-semester course, students of library and information science visit historical places, archives, museums, and research centers. Following these visits, they prepare case study reports on the practices of preservation, conservation, and management of archival resources in various institutions.

Capstone project

The Capstone Project in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) program is a 6-credit course offered in the third semester. It focuses on the integration of technology with education and research within the students' specialization. This project facilitates deep academic exploration, encourages the application of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and supports the development of professional competencies.

Research

Each student compulsory takes up a research projects with 12 credits and works for a year under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. This will have his/her research skills honed. This helps student to read the new trends in library and information science. Student focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of an issue/problem chosen and places emphasis on providing recommendation for implementing action plans.

2. Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Library and Information Management (PGDLIM)

The PGDLIM programme has started in 2010. This is a two-semester Blended Learning Models based one-year course with 40 credits. Blended learning models combine face-to-face instruction with online learning to create hybrid educational experiences. It is being offered through a combination of contact classes and online learning through MOODLE e-learning platform. In 2024, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the total credits were revised from 36 to 40. Selection of candidates is through a personal interview and the intake is 25 seats.

Contact classes (lasting 15 and 12 days) are held twice at the TISS Mumbai campus, once in October/November and again in May/June. During these contact classes and training periods, hostel accommodation will be provided within the campus. For the remainder of the semester, teaching and learning will be carried out through planned weekly readings and regular assignments, primarily via web-based platforms such as Moodle.

3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Science has been offered since 2012. PhD research focuses on emerging topics and trends within library and information science, encompassing areas such as: digital libraries, library automation, open science, LIS education, library management, informetrics, scientometrics. Selection for the program is based on the University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) and a Personal Interview, with the number of successful candidates determined by the availability of vacant seats.