MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the MLS - Master of Library and Information Science exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Exam Format at a Glance

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

Passing Score

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📚 MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Topics to Study (82)

Practice Questions · 7 cards Practice Questions · 7 cards Practice Questions · 7 cards Cataloging and Metadata · 7 cards Cataloging and Metadata · 7 cards Cataloging and Metadata · 7 cards Cataloging and Metadata · 7 cards Collection Development and Management · 7 cards Collection Development and Management · 7 cards Collection Development and Management · 7 cards Collection Development and Management · 7 cards Digital Libraries and Preservation · 7 cards Digital Libraries and Preservation · 7 cards Digital Libraries and Preservation · 7 cards Information Resources & Collection Management · 7 cards Information Resources & Collection Management · 7 cards Information Resources & Collection Management · 7 cards Information Resources & Collection Management · 7 cards Information Systems and Technology · 7 cards Information Systems and Technology · 7 cards Information Systems and Technology · 7 cards Information Systems and Technology · 7 cards Knowledge Organization and Cataloging · 7 cards Knowledge Organization and Cataloging · 7 cards Knowledge Organization and Cataloging · 7 cards Knowledge Organization and Cataloging · 7 cards Library Technology and Systems · 7 cards Library Technology and Systems · 7 cards Library Technology and Systems · 7 cards Library Technology and Systems · 7 cards

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✍️ Sample MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Questions & Answers

1. In a MARC 21 bibliographic record, which field is designated for the main title statement of a resource?

✓ 245

The MARC 21 field 245 is specifically used for the Title Statement, which includes the primary title and may also contain the remainder of the title, statement of responsibility, and other title information. The 100 field is for the main entry personal name, 650 is for a subject added entry (topical term), and 700 is for an added entry personal name.

2. Which MARC field contains the main entry for a personal name as author?

✓ 100

MARC field 100 is the Main Entry—Personal Name field, used to record the primary responsible party when it is an individual.

3. In collection development, what is a 'weeding' process?

✓ Removing outdated, damaged, or irrelevant materials from the collection

Weeding is the systematic removal of materials that are outdated, damaged, or no longer relevant to keep the collection current and useful.

4. Which reference interview technique involves restating the patron's question in different words to confirm understanding?

✓ Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates the patron's query using different words to verify the librarian correctly understood the information need.

5. In the RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance, which behavior is emphasized during the 'Listening/Inquiring' phase?

✓ Using open-ended questions to draw out the patron's actual need

RUSA guidelines stress using open-ended questioning during the listening phase to fully understand the patron's underlying information need.

6. Which of the following is a controlled vocabulary used primarily for assigning subject headings in library catalogs?

✓ LCSH

The Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) is the most widely used controlled vocabulary for subject cataloging in libraries.

🎯 Free MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Tests

Digital Libraries and Preservation · 7 questions Collection Development and Management · 7 questions Practice Questions · 7 questions Digital Libraries and Preservation · 7 questions Collection Development and Management · 7 questions Collection Development and Management · 7 questions Practice Questions · 7 questions Practice Questions · 7 questions Digital Libraries and Preservation · 7 questions Collection Development and Management · 7 questions

📖 MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Guides & Articles

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