IGNOU MLIP-002 Project Submission
Introduction
The IGNOU MLIP-002 Project is perhaps the most significant part of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) course from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). It provides an opportunity for students to implement theoretical concepts acquired during the course in actual research and library management scenarios.
But most students struggle to comprehend the process of submitting a project, the guidelines, format, and documentation to be followed. This article will give you a step-by-step, detailed account of the IGNOU MLIP-002 Project submission guidelines, so you can finish your work efficiently and successfully.
1. Understanding MLIP-002 Project
What is MLIP-002?
The MLIP-002 course code symbolizes the Project Work of IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. This project helps students gain a practical insight into library science through independent research or fieldwork.
Objective of MLIP-002
The primary objectives are:
- Fostering independent research capability.
- Using theoretical knowledge to resolve library and information science issues.
- Fostering the skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Preparing students for future research or professional roles in libraries.
2. Choosing a Suitable Project Topic
Choosing the right topic is the first and most crucial step in your MLIP-002 project journey. IGNOU allows flexibility in topic selection, but it should align with Library and Information Science (LIS) concepts.
Tips to Choose the Right Topic
- Choose a field of your interest — for example, user behavior, digital libraries, or information retrieval systems.
- Make sure that the topic is researchable and practical in the time and resources available to you.
- Refrain from topics that are too broad or too narrow.
- Talk to your project guide and get approval on your idea.
Sample Project Topics
- Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of College Students.
- Role of ICT in Modern Library Services.
- Automation of the Library in Academic Libraries.
- Utilization of E-resources by Research Libraries.
Digital Document Preservation in University Libraries.
3. Project Guide Role
A Project Guide or Supervisor is required to complete MLIP-002. The guide assists you in organizing your research, reading drafts, and checking against IGNOU guidelines.
Who Can Be a Guide?
Your project guide should fulfill the following requirements:
- A faculty member of the School of Social Sciences, Library and Information Science Department, or equivalent academic background.
- A professional librarian with a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and not less than five years of experience.
- Guides should be approved by IGNOU Regional Centre prior to project submission.
Guide Responsibilities
- Approve your project proposal.
- Guide you in data collection and analysis.
- Give feedback on report writing.
Sign the final approval certificate.
4. Preparing the Project Proposal (Synopsis)
Before initiating your project, you have to prepare a proposal or synopsis and obtain IGNOU approval on it.
Structure of the Project Proposal
- Title of the Project
- Introduction (brief background and rationale)
- Objectives of the Study
- Research Methodology (data collection tools, sampling, analysis methods)
- Scope and Limitations
- Chapterization (tentative chapter outline)
- References
Approval of the Proposal
- Send your proposal to your Regional Centre along with the signature and bio-data of the Guide.
- Do not start your research until you have received the approval letter.
Leave a photocopy of your approved synopsis for future use.
5. Conducting the Research
After your synopsis is approved, you may proceed with your field work or data collection.
Research Methods You Can Use
- Survey Method: Give questionnaires to users or librarians.
- Interview Method: Conduct interviews on a one-to-one basis.
- Observation Method: Observe the library processes and activities.
- Document Analysis: Examine library records, catalogs, and reports.
Data Collection Tips
- Always obtain permission from library authorities prior to data collection.
- Maintain respondents’ privacy and ensure confidentiality.
Utilize both quantitative and qualitative data for more insights.
6. Writing the Project Report
The MLIP-002 project report should adhere to IGNOU’s standard format for ensuring uniformity and professionalism.
Report Structure
- Title Page
- Title, Name, Enrollment Number, Course Code, Guide’s Name, and Submission Year.
- Certificate by the Guide
- Signed declaration stating that the student has done the work under their supervision.
- Acknowledgment
- Acknowledge your guide, respondents, and others who helped your project.
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables and Figures
- Introduction
- Explain background, objectives, and scope of the study.
- Review of Literature
- Mention prior research or hypotheses related to your topic.
- Research Methodology
- Describe sampling procedures, instruments, and methods.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Display gathered data in the form of tables, graphs, and charts.
- Findings and Discussion
- Explain your findings against objectives.
- Conclusion and Recommendations
- Summarize your study and provide recommendations.
- References / Bibliography
- Use APA or MLA format.
- Appendices
- Include questionnaires, interview schedules, and raw data.
7. Formatting Guidelines
The MLIP-002 project has special requirements in terms of formatting by IGNOU.
Font and Layout
- Font: Times New Roman
- Size: 12-point font for text, 14-point for headings
- Spacing: 1.5 line spacing
- Margins: 1.5 inches on the left margin and 1 inch on other margins
- Paper Size: A4
- Binding: Hardbound with navy blue cover and golden printing
Pagination
- Number all pages sequentially, beginning with the Introduction.
Preliminary pages (Acknowledgment, Table of Contents) should be numbered with Roman numerals.
8. Submission Process
When the report is complete, students have to comply with IGNOU’s submission process diligently.
Steps for Submission
- Prepare Two Copies
- One hardbound copy (for IGNOU)
- One personal copy (for you)
- Documents to Attach
- Copy of approved project proposal.
- Original Guide’s certificate.
- Bio-data of guide (if not already provided).
- Student declaration of authenticity.
- Enrolment details and contact particulars.
- Place of submission
- Hand in your project to your IGNOU Regional Centre.
- Always check with your Regional Centre for local differences in the process.
- Soft Copy Submission (if applicable)
- Regional centers of some accept soft copies on CD, pen drive, or online submission (refer to latest notice).
Submission Deadline
- IGNOU typically provides deadlines for June and December sessions:
- For June Term-End Exam: Submit by March 31
- For December Term-End Exam: Submit by September 30
Late submissions are not usually accepted, so plan wisely.
9. Evaluation Process
After submission, your project is assessed by IGNOU-nominated examiners.
Evaluation Criteria
- Relevance of Topic
- Research Design & Methodology
- Quality of Data Analysis
- Clarity in Presentation
- Originality and Creativity
The MLIP-002 Project is worth 100 marks, and the passing mark is 40.
Result Declaration
Project marks are uploaded with the Term-End Examination results. You can view them on the IGNOU results portal under “Project Marks.”
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Approval of Proposals: Non-approved working can result in rejection.
- Plagiarism: IGNOU rigorously verifies the originality; copied content may result in cancellation.
- Incorrect Format: Adhere to font, margin, and binding guidelines exactly.
- Delayed Submission: Submit within the deadline to avoid delays.
5. Missing Signatures: Make sure the guide and student both sign all required pages.
11. Perfect MLIP-002 Project Tips
- Select a simple and practical topic.
- Keep a research diary to monitor progress.
- Take regular feedback from your guide.
- Use MS Word to write and MS Excel/SPSS to analyze.
- Add visuals (graphs, tables, charts) for better understanding.
Proofread before final printing.
12. Plagiarism and Authenticity Declaration
Each student needs to provide a Declaration Form that the work is original and not copied from any other source. IGNOU can also check your report for plagiarism through software tools.
13. Post-Submission: What Next?
Following submission, students are to:
- Maintain a receipt or acknowledgement from the Regional Centre.
- Wait for evaluation and result updates on IGNOU’s website.
In case of delayed marks, contact your regional centre for status updates.
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I submit my project online?
Online submission is accepted by some regional centers. Check through the official IGNOU website or your regional notice board.
Q2: What if my guide is not approved?
The project will be rejected. Always check for guide approval before submission.
Q3: What is the ideal length of the MLIP-002 report?
Approximately 80–100 pages (15,000–20,000 words) is ideal.
Q4: Can I work on a topic outside library science?
No, it has to be relevant to Library and Information Science.
Q5: When will I get marks for MLIP-002?
Normally within 45–60 days after the submission time, during term-end result announcement.
15. Final Checklist Before Submission
Enclosed approved synopsis and guide details.
Project report bound well.
Signature of guide on certificate page.
Declaration of authenticity.
Pages numbered and formatted.
Submitted within the deadline.
Conclusion
The IGNOU MLIP-002 Project is not an educational requirement—it’s a chance to demonstrate your knowledge of library science in practical applications. By adhering to these submission guidelines, you can make your project stand out for its quality, clarity, and professionalism.
Take time to make a plan, do research, write, and edit your report carefully. Keep in mind, a good prepared project can go a long way in boosting your scholarly profile and research capabilities in Library and Information Science.
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