Build Your Future in the Information Age with the BA Honours in Library and Information Studies
View(s):
In today’s knowledge-driven world, the ability to organise, manage, and provide access to information is more important than ever. Recognising this growing demand, the Information Studies Unit (ISU) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka offers the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Library and Information Studies (BALIS) degree programme—an excellent pathway for those aspiring to build a professional career in information and knowledge management.
Established in 2017, the ISU aims to produce skilled professionals capable of managing modern information systems and library services. Since the introduction of the BALIS degree in 2019, the programme has consistently focused on developing graduates equipped to meet the evolving demands of the digital information environment.
A Unique and Practical Programme
This four-year (120-credit) honours degree programme, offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka, is a distinctive opportunity for students in Sri Lanka. Importantly, this degree offered by the Information Studies Unit of the Open University of Sri Lanka is the only Honours degree in Library and Information Studies offered by a university in Sri Lanka. It is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to manage knowledge resources using modern technologies. The curriculum emphasises professional ethics, research skills, and managerial competencies within the field of Library and Information Science.
A key strength of the programme is its strong practical orientation. Students benefit from hands-on learning through practical sessions, library attachment training, and both local and international
field visits. These experiences provide valuable exposure to real-world information service operations, helping students develop technical expertise and professional confidence.
Flexible Entry Pathways
The BALIS degree offers multiple entry points based on prior qualifications of the applicants:
Level 03 (Year 1): Three S passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in any stream or obtaining a minimum of 30 credits at SLQF Level 2 or above from any programme approved by the Senate, or completion of a foundation programme offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Level 04 (Year 2): Completion of a one-year Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits) from University of Kelaniya, University of Peradeniya, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Library Association, National Institute of Library and Information Sciences (NILIS) of University of Colombo or a recognized institution.
Level 05 (Year 3): A Higher Diploma (60 credits) in Library and Information Science offered by the above-mentioned institutes or an equivalent or higher qualification acceptable to the Senate of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Designed for Flexibility
The programme is particularly suitable for employed individuals, as it follows an Open and Distance Learning mode. Students typically complete 15 credits per semester but may opt for a lighter workload of a minimum of 8 credits, allowing them to progress at their own pace.
Additionally, the programme offers multiple exit points. Students may exit after completion of 30 credits with a Diploma in Library and Information Science or after 60 credits with a Higher Diploma and rejoin the programme later to complete the degree. This flexibility allows learners to gain recognized qualifications at different stages of their academic journey.
With affordable fees and an instalment-based payment system, the BALIS degree provides an accessible pathway to higher education and career advancement in the rapidly expanding information sector.
Registration Now Open
Registration is now open and will close on 25th April 2026. Prospective students can visit the official website (www.ou.ac.lk) for more information. Further inquiries can be made via telephone (011 288 1263) or email at coordinatorisu@ou.ac.lk
For those passionate about knowledge management, digital information systems, and library services, the BALIS degree at the Open University of
Sri Lanka offers a meaningful and future-oriented career path.
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!