Postgraduate library education in Pakistan started in 1956 by the University of Karachi. In the mid eighties there were six library science departments all over the country. But they were not producing the required number of trained professional graduates as per demand. Moreover, the rate of technological change created by television, computer and other mass media was so stunning that many librarians had been unable to assess clearly its far-reaching effects on the sphere of their services and operation. Thus keeping in view the demand of professional staff and mission of AIOU, the Department of Library and Information Sciences was established in 1985 within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities to cope with this shortage and change. It contributes to meeting the professional requirements of the existing libraries and training skilled manpower scattered all over the country in accordance with the emerging need and trend. Presently the Department offers three programmes i.e. Certificate in Librarianship, BA (Library and Information Science) and Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS). The certificate and BA programmes particularly relate to the jobs of paraprofessionals to assist the professional librarians.Show More