PG Diploma in Library Automation and Networking
Admission 2026

Many librarians feel uncomfortable with technology so let me explain what this program covers in simple terms.

What Library Automation and Networking Covers

Library automation means using computers and software to manage library operations that were traditionally done manually. Think about circulation systems that track which books students borrowed instead of maintaining handwritten registers. Think about online catalogs where users can search for books from their phones instead of looking through card catalogs. Think about automated reminders to students about overdue books. All of this is library automation.

Networking means connecting libraries together so they can share resources and catalogs. Think about how university libraries across a state share their collections so students at one university can borrow books from another university's library. Think about library consortia that negotiate better prices for expensive journal subscriptions by buying together. This requires networking knowledge.

This program teaches you both the automation of your own library and how to connect with other libraries through networks. It also covers digital content creation like building your library's website or creating online research guides for students.

Introduction to Computers (MLI 1 with Practical MLIL 1) - Basic computer concepts for librarians including hardware and software and operating systems and file management. Not assuming you already know computers but teaching from basics specifically for library applications.

Library Automation (MLI 2 with Practical MLIL 2) - How library automation software works including modules for cataloging and circulation and serials management and acquisition. Understanding both how to use existing software and how these systems are designed.

Information Systems (MLI 3 with Practical MLIL 3) - How information flows through systems and database concepts and how library systems integrate with larger institutional information infrastructure.

Networking and Internet Technology (MLI 4 with Practical MLIL 4) - How computer networks work and internet technology basics and specifically how libraries use networks including library consortia and resource sharing networks.

Internet Resources (MLI 5 with Practical MLIL 5) - Different types of resources available on internet including databases and digital collections and e-journals and how to evaluate and use them effectively in library services.

Content Development (MLI 6 with Practical MLIL 6) - Creating web content for libraries including library websites and online catalogs and subject guides and digital resource pages that help library users.

Programming (MLI 7 with Practical MLIL 7) - Basic programming concepts in languages like Java and Visual Basic and C++ so you can understand how library software works and communicate better with IT teams and vendors.

Project (MLIP 8) - Hands-on project work where you apply everything you learned to a real library automation or networking problem. This becomes part of your portfolio showing potential employers you have practical skills not just theory.

This program works well for specific people in library profession.

You Should Consider PGDLAN When

You have library science degree but feel your technical skills are weak. Modern libraries use automation software and you want to understand it properly not just click buttons blindly. You work in a library and see how technology is changing everything and you want to keep up. You graduated recently with BLISc and want to add technical specialization before job hunting. Digital libraries and institutional repositories interest you but you lack the technical background. You want to move from traditional librarian roles to systems librarian or automation specialist positions. Programming and technology do not scare you even if you have never studied them before. You see the future of libraries as digital and networked and want to be part of that future. Career growth in library profession requires technical skills your basic degree did not provide.

Beyond just getting a certificate here is what you genuinely gain from PGDLAN.

Library Automation Software Understanding - Ability to work confidently with library automation software understanding what happens behind the interface. You learn how circulation modules work and cataloging modules and serial management systems so you can troubleshoot problems and train other staff and communicate effectively with software vendors.

Database Management Basics - Understanding how library databases store and retrieve information. This helps you work with library management systems and understand why searches work certain ways and how to organize digital information effectively.

Networking Knowledge - Understanding how libraries connect with each other through networks and how resource sharing works and how consortia function. This is crucial as more libraries join networks to share expensive resources.

Internet Resource Evaluation - Ability to find and evaluate internet resources for library collections including databases and e-journals and open access materials. This skill becomes critical as libraries shift budget from print to electronic resources.

Web Content Creation - Practical skills in creating library websites and online subject guides and digital resource pages. You can build simple but functional web presence for your library without depending entirely on IT departments.

Basic Programming Understanding - Not making you a programmer but giving you enough understanding of programming concepts that you can read simple code and understand how automation software works and communicate intelligently with technical staff.

System Planning Ability - Capability to plan and implement library automation projects including assessing needs and selecting appropriate software and managing migration from manual to automated systems.

Project Management Experience - Through the project component you gain experience managing a technical project from planning through implementation to evaluation. This is valuable for any library technology initiative.

Let me be honest about what careers you can actually pursue with PGDLAN.

Path 1 - Library Automation Specialist

Planning and managing automated library systems in organizations.

Where You Work - University libraries and college libraries and large school libraries and corporate information centers.

Starting Pay Honestly - Around 20000 to 35000 rupees per month depending on organization and location.

After 3 to 5 Years - Around 35000 to 55000 rupees per month in senior automation roles.

Reality Check Needed - This is specialized role that not all libraries have. Larger academic and research libraries need dedicated automation specialists. Your diploma makes you qualified for these positions that regular librarians without technical training cannot handle.

Path 2 - Systems Librarian

Bridging between library staff and IT department managing technical systems.

Where You Work - Large university libraries and research libraries and specialized libraries with significant technology infrastructure.

Starting Pay - Around 25000 to 40000 rupees per month.

Reality Check - Systems librarian positions exist mainly in well-funded academic libraries. You work closely with IT departments while understanding library needs. Requires both technical skills and communication abilities.

Path 3 - Digital Library Professional

Managing digital collections and institutional repositories and electronic resources.

Where You Work - Universities and research institutions and government libraries and specialized archives.

Starting Pay - Around 20000 to 38000 rupees per month.

Reality Check - Growing field as more libraries build digital collections and institutional repositories. Requires understanding of digital formats and metadata and preservation issues along with technical skills from this diploma.

Path 4 - E-Resources Manager

Managing subscriptions and access to electronic journals and databases.

Where You Work - Academic libraries and research libraries and corporate information centers.

Starting Pay - Around 22000 to 38000 rupees per month.

Reality Check - Specialized position managing often millions of rupees worth of electronic subscriptions. Requires understanding of licensing and access management and usage statistics along with technical troubleshooting skills.

Path 5 - Network Library Coordinator

Coordinating library consortia and resource sharing networks.

Where You Work - University library networks and state library networks and library consortia offices.

Starting Pay - Around 25000 to 40000 rupees per month.

Reality Check - Requires understanding both library operations and networking technology. You work across multiple libraries coordinating shared catalogs and resource sharing and joint subscriptions.

Path 6 - Information Systems Assistant

Supporting broader information systems beyond just libraries.

Where You Work - Corporate knowledge management departments and information centers and research organizations.

Starting Pay - Around 20000 to 35000 rupees per month.

Reality Check - Your skills apply beyond traditional libraries to any organization managing information. Corporate sector sometimes pays better than academic libraries.

Path 7 - Library Technology Trainer

Training library staff on automation systems and digital resources.

Where You Work - Large library systems and software vendors and consulting firms and training organizations.

Starting Pay - Around 18000 to 35000 rupees per month or training fees.

The eligibility is very specific for this program.

What You Absolutely Must Have

Bachelor degree in Library and Information Science from any recognized university. This means degrees like BLISc or Bachelor of Library Science or Bachelor of Library and Information Science or equivalent library science undergraduate degree.

Why Only Library Science Graduates

This program assumes you already understand basic library concepts like cataloging and classification and reference services and collection development. It builds technical automation and networking skills on top of that library foundation. Without library science background the program would not make sense because you would lack context for why libraries need these technical systems.

No Other Backgrounds Accepted

Even if you are computer science graduate or IT professional without library science degree you cannot join this program. It is specifically designed for library professionals adding technical skills not for technical people learning library work.

Language Requirement

Comfortable with reading and writing English because all materials and assignments and exams are in English.

Admission Cycles Every Year

IGNOU typically opens admissions twice annually.

January Cycle

Opens around December of previous year. Deadline typically in March. Program starts from January.

July Cycle

Opens around June. Deadline typically in August or September. Program starts from July.

Very Important - Exact dates change every year so you must check IGNOU admission portal for official 2026 admission schedule.

Do Not Miss - Visit IGNOU admission website and check for latest dates.

Smart Tip - Apply early not on last day because servers crash when thousands apply together.

Here is exactly how to apply step by step.

Step 1 - Official Website

Visit IGNOU online admission portal when admissions open for 2026. Make sure you are on real IGNOU website.

Step 2 - Create Account

Click Fresh Admission and register using email and mobile. They send OTP for verification.

Step 3 - Personal Information

Fill details exactly as on library science degree certificate. Name and date of birth must match perfectly.

Step 4 - Choose Program

Select Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking from list. Program code is PGDLAN. Triple check correct selection.

Step 5 - Upload Documents

Upload library science degree certificate PDF under 200 KB, marksheets PDF under 200 KB, passport photo white background JPEG under 50 KB, signature white paper JPEG under 30 KB, Aadhar or ID PDF under 200 KB.

Step 6 - Pay Fees

Complete payment online. Save confirmation immediately.

Step 7 - Save Enrollment

Download enrollment confirmation. Enrollment number crucial for everything later.

Common Mistakes

Do not upload oversized files. Do not use wrong formats. Do not have colored backgrounds. Do not wait until last date. Do not use different name spellings. Do not forget enrollment number.

If you want to build even stronger profile consider combining PGDLAN with these.

MLIS Degree - If you do not have masters yet MLIS combined with PGDLAN makes you extremely competitive for senior library positions.

Short Courses in Specific Library Software - Training in popular software like Koha or DSpace or SOUL adds practical vendor-specific skills to your general automation knowledge from PGDLAN.

Digital Preservation Courses - If institutional repositories or archives interest you short courses in digital preservation complement PGDLAN well.

Web Design Courses - Strengthening web design skills beyond what PGDLAN teaches makes you more capable in content development roles.

Database Management Courses - If you want deeper database skills short SQL or database courses build on the foundations PGDLAN provides.

None of these are mandatory but they can accelerate your career growth in library technology field.

Navigating IGNOU admissions and managing this technical program successfully becomes much easier with proper guidance. Unnati Education provides complete assistance throughout your entire Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking journey starting from checking eligibility and understanding program structure and filling applications correctly to planning your coursework and managing practical components and project work and exam preparation. We ensure you never miss important deadlines or make application errors or feel confused about technical requirements at any stage. Connect with Unnati Education for dependable admission assistance and ongoing academic guidance that makes your library automation learning experience smooth and successful from admission through graduation.

The IGNOU PG Diploma in Library Automation and Networking Admission 2026 offers genuine opportunity if you are library science graduate who recognizes that modern libraries require technical skills alongside traditional library knowledge. The focused one-year curriculum covering computer basics and library automation and networking and internet resources and content development and programming combined with extensive practical components and project work makes it valuable for both fresh library science graduates and experienced librarians wanting to upgrade technical capabilities.

But understand this is technical program requiring comfort with learning about computers and software and networks even if you have no prior background. The program is designed for librarians so content is relevant to library context not generic IT training. Career opportunities are best in larger academic and research libraries and modern corporate information centers where automation and digital resources are priorities.

If you have library science degree and recognize that automation and networking are future of libraries and want to stay relevant in your profession and are willing to learn technical skills even if they seem intimidating initially and see yourself working with library technology systems rather than avoiding them then the Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking at IGNOU provides excellent focused training that bridges traditional librarianship with modern library technology.