Complete Guide to IGNOU MLIP-002 Project for MLIS Students

Complete Guide to IGNOU

Introduction

When you join the MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) program at IGNOU, you finally come face to face with the MLIP-002 course—Project / Dissertation Work. It is not merely a scholastic obligation, but a summative task by which you get to put theory into practice, hone research skills, and innovate something new in the field of library and information science.

But then most of the students struggle with MLIP-002: How do I pick a topic? What is the right format? What are the deadlines and marking guidelines? What are the errors to watch out for? This tutorial is designed to answer everything in a student-oriented, logical manner so that you can approach the project with confidence and understanding.

In this article, you’ll discover:

What MLIP-002 is, and why it’s important
Objectives and scope
Types of project work allowed
How to select a topic
Supervisor/guide role and qualifications
Preparation of synopsis / proposal
Final report structure & format
Data collection & methodology
Analysis, interpretation, discussion
Referencing, plagiarism, proofing
Submission, assessment, re-submission
Handy tips & common pitfalls
Timeline & checklists
Let’s get started.

What is IGNOU MLIP-002 Project?

Course code & credits: MLIP-002 is the Project / Dissertation course of the IGNOU MLIS program. It has 4 credits and 100 marks.
Purpose: It allows you to apply what you have learned from coursework—management, information systems, informetrics, ICT, etc.—and solve a genuine issue in a library/information environment.
Compulsory: You cannot avoid or obtain exemption from the project component; it is a requirement for completion of the MLIS degree.
Windows of submission: There are normally two windows of submission:
• April / May submission for the June Term-End exam
• October / November submission for the December Term-End exam
Thus, it is critical to plan ahead and not leave the project work to the very end.

Objectives & Scope

General Objectives

The project/dissertation work is designed to help you:

Develop and hone your research skills
Solve real problems using scientific methods of investigation
Strengthen your writing, presentation, analytical, and communication skills
Apply multidisciplinary concepts, methods, and tools
Research and suggest solutions for problems in libraries, information centres, knowledge management divisions, etc.

Specific Objectives

Within the overall objectives, the MLIP-002 has these specific objectives:

To define and phrase a significant research problem
To develop a good research proposal / synopsis
To choose and apply appropriate methodology
To gather, analyze, interpret data
To apply the appropriate techniques (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, statistical tools) in the LIS field ([Studocu][3])
These aims direct the way you organize, do, and report your project.

Types / Approaches of Project / Dissertation Work

You need to select an approach or style that best suits your interest, means, and possibility. IGNOU guidelines outline a number of potential types: ([Studocu][3])

Design / Development / Implementation Example: creating an information system, an electronic resource, or user interface for an information service or library (action research).
Inter-Institutional / Comparative Study Comparative analysis of practices, systems, services, networks, resource sharing among more than one library or centre.
Comprehensive Case Study Elaborate study of a single specific library, institution, information centre, or network.
Users’ Survey / Field Study (Empirical Research) Investigation of users by surveying them, attitudinal measurement, usage pattern, satisfaction level, etc.
Survey of Literature / Bibliometric / Scientometric Study

Analytical literature review, citation analysis, publication patterns, development of literature, etc.

Studies in Information Literacy / Awareness / Training User sensitization-related studies, library orientation, digital literacy initiatives.
Studies in emerging areas Digital libraries, open access, institutional repositories, e-resources, metadata, linked data, etc.
You must choose a type which suits your interest, availability of data, time limit, and scope.

Selecting an Appropriate Topic

Topic selection is perhaps the most important step. Having a good topic guarantees your project is feasible, worthy, and probably successful. Here’s how you do it:

Topic Selection Tips

Interest & passion: Choose something that interests you—this keeps you motivated.
Relevance: It must be relevant to the LIS profession, and preferably timely or on the rise.
Feasibility: Access to data, logistics, time, resources – ensure that you are actually able to conduct the study.
Originality / gap: Research existing literature in order to determine gaps or areas for improvement.
Local / contextual fit: It can be helpful to select a library or setting that you know (your workplace, a local library) to facilitate data collection.
Guidance from the supervisor: Discuss potential topics with your supervisor, who can assist in clarifying or limiting the scope.

Some example topics

Institutional repository’s role in a university library
Measurement of user satisfaction in public libraries
Bibliometric study of a field (e.g. “Climate Change Research in India”)
Digital literacy among students in college libraries
Adoption of metadata standards in digital libraries
Effect of open access on scholarly publishing
Rural library resource sharing networks
Social media usage by libraries for outreach
Feel free to modify these according to your area and library setup.

Supervisor / Guide: Role & Qualifications

You must work under the supervision of a supervisor / guide. Their role is central to conceptualizing, scrutinizing, and directing your work.

Qualifications

According to IGNOU’s regulations:

PhD in Library and Information Science, or
Master of Library and Information Science, minimum 2 years experience in a library or teaching or similar work, or
Degree in Computer Science / MCA / B.E. with 2 years experience in library/information background ([IGNOU Friend][2])
A guide can normally guide up to 5 students. ([Studocu][3])

Role & Responsibilities

Assist shape and approve the topic and research questions
Help prepare the synopsis / proposal
Comment on methodology, instruments for data collection, sampling
Check draft chapters, make comments and corrections
Ensure academic integrity, correct referencing, ethical behavior
Approve the final project before submission
You need to submit your synopsis proposal along with the bio-data of the supervisor and consent letter to IGNOU for sanction.

Synopsis / Proposal Preparation

Prior to embarking on the entire project, you need to prepare and submit the synopsis / proposal to IGNOU, for validation. This serves as your roadmap for research.

Format & Contents

Your synopsis or proposal should ideally have the following:

Project Title A brief, accurate title that captures the crux.
Background / Rationale / Justification
Why is the research required? What does it fill in the gap? Why is it important?
Study Objectives
General objective + specific objectives
Research Questions or Hypotheses (if relevant)
What you wish to answer or validate
Brief Review of Literature
Major earlier studies and how your study will contribute or build upon
Methodology / Research Design

Study type (empirical, case, survey, design)
Population, sample, sampling method
Data collection methods / instruments (questionnaire, interview, observation)
Data analysis methods (statistical tools, coding, content analysis)

Limitations / Delimitations
What you won’t or cannot cover, constraints
Expected Outcomes / Contribution
What you hope to discover or contribute
Chapter-wise Outline / Tentative Table of Contents
Rough structure of chapters
Preliminary Bibliography / References
Main sources you plan to use
Appendices
E.g. drafts of instruments, consent forms, etc.
The synopsis is a concise but well-considered document, usually about 10–15 pages, double spaced. ([IGNOU Help Center][4])

Submission & Approval

Send the synopsis with the proforma for project proposal (Appendix II) and the consent letter / bio-data of supervisor.
Programme Coordinator / LIS Faculty examines the proposal and makes suggestions or comments for modifications, if needed. If needed, you resubmit the modified version.
You can go ahead with the full project work only after approval.
The deadlines and schedule are finalized; make sure to adhere to them.
Retain copies of all correspondence and approvals for your reference.

Final Report Structure, Format & Layout

After the synopsis is approved, you go ahead and write the project report / dissertation. IGNOU gives guidelines on submission, format, and structure. ([Studocu][3])

Physical / Typing Format

A4 size white paper should be used.
The report has to be typed, double space.
Standard readable font
Margins usually 1 inch
Pagination (with page numbers).
Binding: hard binding (soft or hard cover).
Add a Certificate of Originality and Supervisor’s approval certificate.

Word Count / Page Length

Generally, the report will be between 80 to 120 double-spaced pages, not counting appendices & exhibits.
Word length should not be more than 20,000 words, although a range of ±10% is usually acceptable.

Proposed Report Format

Here is a suggested structure and order. You may modify minor variations, but this is generally acceptable:

Cover Page Title, your name, enrollment number, course (MLIP-002), month & year of submission, study centre, etc.
Certificate / Certificate of Originality

Statement that the work is yours, signed by you and supervisor.

Acknowledgements Gratitude to guide, interviewees, librarians, institutions, peers etc.
Preface / Forward (optional) Short note on motivation, problems, limits.
Table of Contents Chapter headings, subheadings, page numbers.
List of Tables, Figures, Charts If you have lots of tables, graphs or diagrams.
Abbreviations / Acronyms Special abbreviations employed in the report.
Introduction Background, context, significance, research problem, objectives, questions/hypotheses.
Review of Literature Logical overview of current studies, theories, models, gaps.
Research Methodology Design, sampling, instruments, data collection, data analysis plan, limitations.
Data Presentation & Analysis / Findings

Tables, charts, descriptive & inferential analysis, narrative interpretation.

Discussion Interpret results, compare with previous work, clarify anomalies, limitations, implications.
Conclusion & Recommendations Summarize key findings, relate to aims, make recommendations, suggest further research areas.
References / Bibliography All sources used in standard format (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Appendices / Annexures

Questionnaire schedules, interview schedules, raw data tables, maps, consent forms etc.

Index (if required) Alphabetical list of main terms with page numbers.
Some versions permit minor reordering or consolidation of “Discussion + Conclusion” or addition of “Summary of Results” prior to recommendation.

Other Requirements

Insert a copy of the approved synopsis / proposal proforma and approval letter into the appendices. ([Studocu][3])
Include the certificate / consent letter of the supervisor. ([Studocu][3])
Keep consistency in heading styles, font sizes, indentation, numbering.

Make sure tables, figures are properly labeled, titled, and referenced in text.

Data Collection & Research Methodology

Your methodology is the backbone of the project. The choice of method should align with your research questions, data availability, and constraints.

Quantitative / Survey / Statistical Methods

Employ systematic questionnaires, close-ended questions, Likert scales
Conduct among a specified sample (students, library users, teachers)
Employ sampling strategies (simple random, purposive, stratified)
Employ statistical packages/software such as SPSS, R, Excel to analyze: mean, median, chi-square, correlation, regression etc.
Report findings in tables, charts, graphs

Qualitative / Interview / Case Study Methods

Employ semi-structured or unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, observations
Case study approach: extended exploration of a single unit (e.g. one library)
Data analysis: coding, thematic analysis, content analysis
Report rich descriptions, quotations, narrative interpretations

Mixed Methods

Both quantitative and qualitative for enriching findings (e.g. survey + interviews)
Useful when some dimensions are quantifiable and others need explanation (why people feel so)

Sampling & Data Instruments

Define population
Determine sample size (based on population and feasibility)
Employ sampling technique (random, stratified, convenience)
Develop data collection instruments (questionnaire, interview schedule)
Pilot test instruments to ensure clarity of ambiguity

Data Collection

Obtain permission from the concerned libraries/institutions
Adhere to ethical considerations: anonymity, consent, confidentiality
Record responses accurately, preserve raw data
Employ online methods if physical access proves to be cumbersome

Data Analysis

Data cleaning (delete missing, contradictory responses)
Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages)
Inferential tests (if hypotheses)
Interpretation: connect findings to aims
Present results visually using graphs, charts, tables

Limitations & Delimitations

Record what you are unable to include because of time, resource, access limitations

Include boundaries (delimitations): e.g. just one region, just one sort of library

Discussion, Conclusion & Recommendations

After you have presented and examined your data, the subsequent step is to interpret and extract useful meanings.

Discussion

Interpret findings against your research aims/questions
Compare with prior studies – similarities or differences
Interpret anomalies, surprises
Introduce theory or models to make sense of findings
Utilize quotations or examples (qualitative) or trends (quantitative)

Conclusion & Recommendations

Summarize the most important findings concisely
Make sure you meet original aims
Be realistic in recommendations (for libraries, managers, policymakers)
Identify areas for future research

Contribution & Implications

Indicate contribution to theory, practice, or policy

Show utility for library/information management

Referencing, Plagiarism & Proofreading

The properly researched project should adhere to academic ethics and good writing standards.

Referencing Style

Employ a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard)
In-text citations and complete Reference / Bibliography list
Full URL and access date if necessary for web sources
Cite tables, figures, images accordingly

Avoiding Plagiarism

Always paraphrase, and if quoting verbatim use quotation marks
Give credit to every source used
Use plagiarism detection tools (Turnitin, Grammarly Premium, etc.)
Include originality certificate

Proofreading / Editing

Grammar, spelling, punctuation check
Consistency in headings, font, numbering
Double-check page numbers, table of contents
Verify all cross-references are accurate

Submission of Report & Evaluation

Submission Procedure

Send one copy of the project report / dissertation to: Director (SR & E), IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068
Mark the envelope prominently: “PROJECT REPORT – MLIS (MLIP-002)”
You may submit by speed post / by hand (if permitted) ([Studocu][3])
Attach approved synopsis proforma, supervisor letter, originality certificate, etc.
Deadline for submission: generally by 31st May (for June exam) or 30th November (for December exam)

Assessment & Passing

The project is assessed by internal faculty or external experts.
No viva voce is held. That is, your written work is assessed only.
You have to get a minimum of 50% marks in the project to pass.

Re-submission

If your project is rejected or fails, you have to include the recommended changes and resubmit within the programme duration.
A resubmission fee might be charged.

If you don’t submit in the programme duration, then you can be provided with grace time (maximum 2 years) for additional payment.

Timeline & Sample Project Schedule

A rough timeline to assist you in planning your MLIP-002 is here:

| Time Period Activity / Milestone Month 1 Literature survey, topic brainstorming, meeting potential guides

Month 2 Finalize topic, draft synopsis, get supervisor’s consent & bio-data
Month 3 Finalize synopsis & proposal to IGNOU, revise if necessary
Month 4 Develop instruments (questionnaire, interview schedule), pilot test
Month 5 Data gathering (field / online)
Month 6 Data cleaning, analysis, interpretation
Month 7 Prepare chapters (Introduction, Literature, Methodology)
Month 8 Complete results, discussion, conclusion, recommendations
Month 9 Editing, proofreading, formatting, prepare list of references & appendices
Month 10 Submit final report before deadline
You can compress or expand it according to your own speed and time constraints.

Tips, Advice & Common Pitfalls

Success tips:

Begin early — procrastination until last minute is one of the biggest pitfalls.
Regular communication with supervisor — feedback early, not at final draft stage.
Keep project diary/logbook — note down daily activities, progress, problems, sources.
Utilize reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote) for citation management.
Back up everything — raw data, drafts, versions.
Be realistic in scope — don’t try to cover too many variables or too many institutions.
Pilot test your data instruments — this helps avoid ambiguous questions.
Maintain ethics — get informed consent, assure confidentiality, avoid misuse.
Use visuals — charts, graphs, tables add clarity.
Proofread multiple times — read aloud, use grammar checkers, get peers to review.
Avoid these common pitfalls:

Selecting a topic too general or overwhelming
Inadequate literature review
Unclear or poor objectives / research questions
Flawed methodology or inconsistency between aims and approach
Poor response rate, sampling issues
Misinterpretation or over-simplification
Incomplete referencing or plagiarism
Lack of structure, no coherence between chapters
Disregarding supervisor’s feedback
Submission delay
By expecting these, you can avoid trouble.

Sample Checklist Before Submission

Approved synopsis / proposal attached
Supervisor’s consent letter & bio-data attached
Certificate of originality / authenticity attached
Cover page, acknowledgements, TOC included
List of tables/figures, list of abbreviations included
Chapters are well organized and logically flow
Research methodology explained clearly
Data is clean, analysed properly, interpreted
Discussion is in context and related to literature and objectives
Recommendations & conclusions are significant
References are full and uniform
Appendices are well labelled
Correct pagination
Proofread (grammar, spelling errors, formatting)
Backup copy made (soft & hard)

Submitted on or before the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I undertake the project in my work or hometown library?

A: Yes, if it is preferable and feasible to access and cooperate. It facilitates easier data collection.
Q: Can two students offer the same topic?

A: Generally not—they should vary in setting, institution, or population, in order to be original.
Q: Can I substitute my topic once it is approved?

A: Only with good reason and permission from IGNOU prior to commencing serious work.
Q: Can data from web / online sources be used?

A: Yes, if pertinent and properly referenced; but empirical evidence (field / survey) tends to enhance your research.
Q: What happens if I miss the submission date?

A: You can possibly submit next cycle (if within acceptable time frame) but refer to your regional centre or IGNOU policy.
Q: Do I receive feedback following assessment?

A: Sometimes evaluators provide comments; if your project needs rework, use those suggestions for improvement.

Conclusion

Your completion of the IGNOU MLIP-002 project is an important milestone in your MLIS program. If done with careful planning, steady effort, and close cooperation with your supervisor, you can make it a useful piece of research. A well-conceived project not only earns you degree credit but also enhances your professional credentials in library and information science.

Use this guide as your guidebook—keep referring to the timeline, checklists, and tips. And if at any point you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor, colleagues, or library networks for advice.

Good luck with your MLIP-002 project! Let me know if you want me to create a template (synopsis + report) or sample topics list or even a project timeline file to make things easier for you.