Department of Library & Information Science
School of Physical Sciences (SPS) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Library & Information Science at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), within the School of Physical Sciences, is dedicated to training information professionals who can organize, manage, preserve, and disseminate information in both print and digital environments. The department equips students with knowledge and skills in librarianship, information science, records management, and emerging digital technologies.
Library & Information Science (LIS) focuses on the principles and practices of information organization, cataloguing and classification, reference and user services, collection development, digital libraries, information retrieval systems, knowledge management, and information literacy. Our curriculum integrates traditional library skills with modern information and communication technologies, preparing students for roles in libraries, archives, information centres, research institutions, government agencies, and the knowledge economy.
The department is equipped with a modern digital library, computer laboratories with internet access, online databases, cataloguing and classification tools, and integrated library management systems. Students are exposed to practical experiences through industrial training (SIWES), library practicum, and projects that address real information management problems in academic, public, special, and school libraries as well as other information centres.
Graduates of Library & Information Science are highly sought after as librarians, information managers, records officers, knowledge managers, digital librarians, information analysts, and information literacy trainers in universities, polytechnics, research institutes, NGOs, corporate organizations, and government ministries. They play a critical role in supporting teaching, learning, research, and informed decision-making in the information society.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.LIS (Bachelor of Library & Information Science) – 4-year undergraduate program
- B.LIS (LIS / Computer Science) – Joint 4-year program
- PGD in Library & Information Science – Postgraduate Diploma
- M.LIS (Master of Library & Information Science) – Postgraduate degree
- Ph.D in Library & Information Science – Advanced research degree
Core Focus Areas
- Cataloguing & Classification
- Collection Development & Management
- Reference & Information Services
- Digital Libraries & Repositories
- Information Retrieval & Systems
- Records & Archives Management
- Knowledge Management
- Information Literacy & User Education
Facilities & Resources
University Library
Modern library with print and electronic resources.
Digital Library
Access to e-books, e-journals, databases, and repositories.
ICT & Cataloguing Labs
Library software, OPAC, and automation tools.
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts research across key domains in library and information science:
Cataloguing & Metadata
Subject headings, classification schemes (DDC, LCC), metadata standards (MARC, Dublin Core), authority control.
Collection Development & Management
Selection policies, acquisition, weeding, evaluation of collections, and resource sharing.
Reference & User Services
Reference interviews, information literacy, user education, and user studies.
Digital Libraries & Information Systems
Design and evaluation of digital libraries, institutional repositories, and online catalogues.
Records & Archives Management
Life-cycle of records, archival principles, electronic records, and preservation.
Knowledge Management
Organizational knowledge, tacit and explicit knowledge, knowledge sharing, and KM systems.
Information Retrieval & User Behaviour
Search strategies, retrieval models, user information needs and seeking behaviour.
Information Ethics & Policy
Intellectual property, copyright, open access, information rights and ethics.
Career Opportunities
LIS graduates pursue diverse careers across knowledge and information sectors:
Academic Librarian
Support teaching, learning, and research in universities and colleges.
Corporate Information Manager
Manage organizational knowledge and information services.
Records & Archives Officer
Manage records and archives in public and private institutions.
Digital Librarian
Manage digital collections, repositories, and online content.
Information Literacy Trainer
Teach users how to find and evaluate information.
Knowledge Manager
Oversee knowledge-sharing systems in organizations.
Information Analyst
Analyze information for decision-making and policy.
School Librarian
Support learning in primary and secondary schools.
Educator & Researcher
Teach and conduct LIS research in higher institutions.
Course Materials & Resources
Find Your Materials in the General Library
All lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and study packs for every level of Library & Information Science now live in one place — the LEGACY General Library.
Go to General LibraryAdmission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score as set by JAMB and FUTA.
- Subject combination: English Language and any three relevant subjects.
- Five O'Level credit passes in no more than two sittings.
- O'Level credits must include: English Language and Mathematics plus three other relevant subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements (200 Level)
- A'Level passes in at least two relevant subjects.
- ND / NCE with at least Upper Credit / Merit in relevant disciplines.
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above.