IGNOU MLIS Project (MLIP-002): Guidelines, Synopsis Format, Guide Eligibility and Submission

MLIP-002 is the project work (dissertation) course of the IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme. It is a full course of 4 credits. You choose a topic with a guide, get your synopsis approved by the MLIS Programme Coordinator, and only then carry out the study and write the report.

The MLIP-002 journey at a glance

Most MLIS projects move through these nine steps. The green tag shows where HelpBooks supports you.

1. 1
   Choose a topicNarrow, related to library and information science, and possible to study in your own library or city.HelpBooks: 5–6 topic options for you
2. 2
   Find an eligible guideSomeone who meets IGNOU's qualification and pay-level condition (see below).HelpBooks: eligibility check
3. 3
   Prepare the synopsis with the guide's signed biodataThe guide discusses the topic with you and signs the biodata that goes with the synopsis.HelpBooks: synopsis drafted with you
4. 4
   Send to the Programme Coordinator, MLISEither a hard copy or a soft copy, not both. Keep a copy for yourself.HelpBooks: final check before sending
5. 5
   Wait for approvalYou start the work only after the synopsis is approved.HelpBooks: revision support

6. 6
   Carry out the studyCollect data in your chosen library or user group and analyse it.HelpBooks: data analysis support
7. 7
   Write the reportTyped in double space on A4 paper, in the chapter order given in the guideline.HelpBooks: full report support
8. 8
   Add the guide's certificate and bindThe certificate says the work was done under the guide's supervision.HelpBooks: certificate and binding checklist
9. 9
   Send one copy to the Registrar (SED), IGNOUMaidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. You need at least 50% to pass.HelpBooks: address and envelope check

MLIP-002 at a glance

Figures are based on the MLIS Programme Guide and the IGNOU programme page. IGNOU revises its guidelines from time to time, so check the latest guide on ignou.ac.in before you begin.

Who can be your MLIP-002 guide?

You may choose your own guide. The MLIS Programme Guide accepts either of these:

The guide's signed biodata must go with your synopsis. A guide who does not meet these conditions is a common reason for a synopsis to be sent back. HelpBooks can check your guide's eligibility before you submit.

Choosing an MLIS project topic

A good MLIP-002 topic is narrow, tied to one library or user group, and possible to finish with the data you can reach. Some areas that work well:

• User studies: information-seeking behaviour of students, researchers or farmers
• E-resources and open access: awareness and use of e-journals, e-books, institutional repositories
• Library automation: use of Koha or other library software in college or school libraries
• Bibliometrics: authorship pattern or citation analysis of a journal or a subject area
• Library services and information literacy: reference service, user education and ICT skills of library staff

If you work in a library, a topic based on your own institution makes data collection far easier. This is the first thing our mentors look at when they suggest topics.

MLIP-002 synopsis format

The programme guide only asks that the guide's signed biodata goes with the synopsis. It does not print a fixed outline, so confirm the layout with the MLIS Programme Coordinator and your guide. A synopsis normally carries:

• Title and a short introduction to the problem
• Objectives and, where needed, hypotheses
• Scope and limitations
• Review of related literature
• Methodology: method, population and sample, tools, data collection and analysis
• Chapter plan and references
• Guide's biodata, signed by the guide

MLIP-002 project report structure

After approval, the report must follow the same topic and objectives. The guideline lists these parts in order:

• Certificate
• Acknowledgements
• Table of contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• Review of literature
• Objectives
• Methodology
• Findings
• Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Index
• Appendices

The report is typed in double space on A4 paper and bound. It must carry a certificate from your guide confirming that the work was done under their supervision. Send one copy to the Registrar (SED), IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068.

Why MLIP-002 synopses and reports come back

• Guide who does not meet the qualification or pay-level condition
• Guide's signed biodata missing from the synopsis
• Synopsis sent both as hard copy and soft copy, when the guideline asks for only one
• Work started before the synopsis was approved
• Topic too wide, or not related to library and information science
• Report that changes the topic or objectives from the approved synopsis
• Guide's certificate missing from the report
• Copied literature review or findings, which also risks a score below the 50% pass mark

If your synopsis is returned: revise it using the comments you receive and send it again to the Programme Coordinator, MLIS. Ask the coordinator's office about the exact resubmission steps for your case. Our mentors can rework a returned synopsis using those comments.

How HelpBooks mentors MLIS learners

Most learners who reach us have one of three problems: they cannot settle on a topic, their synopsis has come back once, or they have approval but do not know how to turn data into a bound report. Our mentors stay with you through the whole MLIP-002 journey, from the first topic list to the day your marks appear:

• 5–6 workable topic options based on your library, job and city, to discuss with your guide
• Synopsis drafted with you, with the guide biodata and copy requirement checked before you send it
• Help with revisions if your synopsis is returned
• After approval, support in building the full report in the guideline's chapter order, with original writing, your own data and a plagiarism check
• A final check of the guide's certificate, binding and envelope before you send it to the Registrar (SED)
• Support until your result is declared, including any changes the evaluator asks for

Starting MLIP-002 or stuck midway? WhatsApp us on 8800002552 with your stage, and we will tell you the next step. You can also read our step-by-step IGNOU project guide.

Common questions

Is MLIP-002 compulsory?
It is the project course of the MLIS programme and carries 4 credits. Check your programme guide for how it counts towards your degree.

Can I choose my own guide?
Yes, if the person meets the qualification and pay-level condition given above.

Can I start my data collection before the synopsis is approved?
No. The guideline allows the work to begin only after the synopsis is approved.

What is the pass mark?
You must secure at least 50% in the project.

Can HelpBooks help if I have already started?
Yes. Many learners come to us after a returned synopsis or with approval in hand. Share what you have, and we pick up from that stage.

HelpBooks is an independent academic support service and is not affiliated with IGNOU. Rules on this page are summarised from the MLIS Programme Guide; always follow the latest official guideline and your guide's instructions.