If you are interested in how information is created, organised, preserved, managed, and delivered to support learning, research, innovation, and community development, the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.LIS.) offers you an engaging and future-focused academic pathway. The programme explores the systems, technologies, and practices that enable effective information access in libraries, digital repositories, archives, organisations, and knowledge-driven institutions.
You will study how information is collected, classified, stored, retrieved, and disseminated across different environments—from traditional libraries to digital platforms, corporate information centres, media houses, and research organisations. The programme combines foundational principles of librarianship with modern information science, equipping you with strong ICT, organisational, analytical, and communication skills. At OOU, the programme prepares you to function as an information specialist capable of supporting education, research, knowledge management, digital services, and community information systems across multiple sectors.
Course Overview
The B.LIS. Library and Information Science programme provides you with a thorough understanding of information systems, resource management, digital technologies, and user services. You will explore cataloguing and classification, reference services, digital libraries, indexing and abstracting, records management, knowledge organisation, and research skills.
The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students.
Throughout your study, you will be introduced to information organisation, retrieval systems, ICT tools, database management, publishing and media resources, children and school library services, and the ethical and legal issues surrounding information access. You will also develop practical experience through fieldwork, SIWES, and hands-on training with digital library platforms and information management tools.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum is drawn from the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Library and Information Science. It integrates traditional librarianship with modern information science and technology, preparing you for professional practice in diverse learning and organisational environments.
At this stage, you gain foundational knowledge in information science and general education courses that help build your communication, cultural awareness, and analytical skills.
- Introduction to Library and Information Science
- Information Sources and Services
- Information Ethics
- Communication in English
- The Use of Library
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- Introduction to Computer Studies
- Logic and Philosophy
- Basic Statistics
These courses introduce you to the principles of information management and the role of libraries in society.
You begin to explore information systems, cataloguing, classification, and user services in greater depth while strengthening your ICT competencies.
- Cataloguing and Classification I
- Collection Development
- Reference and Information Services
- Information Retrieval
- Indexing and Abstracting
- Publishing and Media Resources
- Records and Archives Management I
- Computer Applications in Information Science
- Entrepreneurship Studies
These courses equip you with practical skills in organising, retrieving, and managing information across multiple formats.
Here, your training becomes more advanced and applied. You study specialised areas, engage in fieldwork, and deepen your practical understanding of information systems.
- Cataloguing and Classification II
- Digital Libraries
- Information Storage and Retrieval Systems
- School and Children’s Library Services
- Records and Archives Management II
- Database Management Systems
- Research Methods in Information Science
- Library Management
- SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)
You begin applying your knowledge in real-world information centres, archives, libraries, and digital services through field training.
Your final year prepares you for professional practice and leadership in information environments. You also complete a supervised research project.
- Information Technology in Libraries
- Knowledge Management
- Advanced Reference Services
- Library Automation
- Project Work / Dissertation
- Advanced Topics in Information Systems
- Preservation and Conservation of Information Materials
- Information Policy and Strategic Planning
- Special Libraries and Information Services
Entry Requirements
To gain admission into the B.LIS. Library and Information Science programme, you must meet the approved UTME or Direct Entry requirements of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)
- You must have five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, and three other subjects drawn from the Arts, Sciences, or Social Sciences that support your interest in information management and communication.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language and three other relevant subjects
- Achieve a competitive UTME score and meet the departmental cut-off
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
- Demonstrate interest in information systems, communication, or knowledge management
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)
- Five O-Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics
- A-Level passes in at least two relevant subjects OR
- An NCE, OND, or equivalent qualification in Library and Information Science or a related field with at least Merit or Lower Credit
All applicants must comply with the University’s screening and verification procedures and provide valid academic transcripts where required.
Why study at OOU?
Studying Library and Information Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a modern, technology-driven pathway into the world of information systems, digital libraries, knowledge management, and organisational communication. Our programme is designed to help you understand how information is created, organised, and used to support learning, research, governance, and innovation. You will benefit from:
- A CCMAS-compliant curriculum that blends traditional librarianship with modern information science
- Training in digital libraries, ICT tools, database systems, and digital resource management
- Hands-on field experience through SIWES, library practicum, and visits to information centres and archives
- Access to experienced lecturers with expertise in cataloguing, classification, digital information systems, and knowledge management
- Opportunities to develop strong ICT, communication, leadership, and organisational skills
- A learning environment that promotes academic excellence, ethical information handling, and innovation
- Preparation for careers in libraries, media houses, corporate information units, archives, knowledge centres, and digital environments
At OOU, you gain the competence to manage information resources effectively and support educational, organisational, and community development.
Research Project
In your final year, you will complete a supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to investigate information-related problems and propose practical or theoretical solutions. This project allows you to specialise in an area that aligns with your interests or professional goals.
Your research may focus on areas such as:
- Digital libraries and information technologies
- Information-seeking behaviour
- Cataloguing, metadata, and knowledge organisation
- Records and archives management
- Information retrieval systems and user experience
- School and children’s library services
- Media resources and publishing
- Preservation of information materials
- Information literacy and community information services
During this process, you will:
- Identify a research-worthy information problem or topic
- Review relevant literature and develop a conceptual framework
- Collect data using appropriate methods such as surveys, interviews, or system analysis
- Analyse your findings and present evidence-based conclusions
- Produce a well-structured final project report and defend it before an academic panel
This project prepares you for professional roles in information management, digital systems, and knowledge services.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Academic Requirements
- Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses in the programme
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
- Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
- Complete and successfully defend your final-year research project
Grading and Degree Classification
Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:
Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.LIS. (Hons) Library and Information Science, a qualification recognised for its relevance to education, research, media, corporate information systems, and digital knowledge management.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Library and Information Science prepares you for a wide range of careers that involve managing information, supporting learning and research, and organising knowledge in both physical and digital environments.
Possible Job Roles Include:
- Librarian (Public, Academic, School, or Special Libraries)
- Digital Librarian
- Records and Archives Officer
- Knowledge Management Specialist
- Information Analyst
- Indexing and Abstracting Officer
- Cataloguing and Metadata Specialist
- Repository Manager
- Information Literacy Instructor
- Reference Services Officer
- Corporate Information Officer
- Research Assistant
- Database and Information Systems Support Officer
Where You May Work:
- Public, academic, school, and special libraries
- Government ministries and research institutions
- Media organisations and publishing houses
- Corporate organisations with information units
- Archives, museums, and cultural heritage centres
- NGOs and development agencies
- ICT and digital resource management firms
- Universities, polytechnics, and educational institutions
- Digital repositories and knowledge centres
Your degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Library and Information Science, Information Management, Archives Administration, Digital Curation, and other information-related fields.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
- Select Library and Information Science as your preferred programme.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language and three relevant subjects.
- Possess at least five O-Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Participate in OOU’s Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Hold A-Level passes in at least two relevant subjects OR possess an NCE/OND in Library and Information Science or a related field with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
- Have five O-Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Upload your academic transcripts and required documents through the OOU Admissions Portal.
- Complete all departmental and University-level screening steps.
Applicants may follow and track their admission process through the University admissions portal.
Course Coordinator
The B.LIS. Library and Information Science programme is managed by a team of dedicated academics and information professionals within the Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
The current programme coordinator is:
Dr [Full Name]
Contact Information:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Office:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.LIS.)
- Faculty = Social Sciences
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus.
- Location = Faculty of Social Sciences, Main Campus.
- Scholarship opportunities