Free Master of Library & Information Science for Competitive Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Assertion (A): In the modern digital age, the "Information Economy," which is founded on the idea that information has economic value and as a result necessitates a "Information Market Place" where such value can be exchanged, is useless. <br>
Motive (R): Knowledge as a valuable resource resides in a slum in the city of economics since this economic reality contradicts the widely held and long-held belief that "information is free."
- Both (A) and (R) are true (Correct answer)
- Both (A) and (R) are false
- (A) is true, but (R) is false
- (A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct answer: Both (A) and (R) are true
Assertion (A) can be considered true if 'useless' is interpreted as significantly hampered or problematic in its operation due to the widespread belief that 'information is free.' The Information Economy, which thrives on assigning economic value to information, faces a fundamental contradiction with this long-held societal expectation. Reason (R) accurately explains this tension, stating that the economic reality of knowledge as a valuable, marketable resource directly conflicts with the notion of free information, thereby creating challenges for the Information Economy.
Question 2: Assertion (A): Libraries ought to act as a regional hub for information and learning as well as a regional entryway to knowledge on a national and international scale. <br>
Reason (R): Libraries need to upgrade their resources, programs, and partnerships with other organizations in order to create a community-based information system.
- Both (A) and (R) are true (Correct answer)
- Both (A) and (R) are false
- (A) is true but (R) is false
- (A) is false but (R) is true
Correct answer: Both (A) and (R) are true
Assertion (A) accurately describes the evolving and crucial role of modern libraries as central community resources and access points to broader knowledge, both locally and globally. Reason (R) provides a valid and necessary strategy for achieving this role, emphasizing that libraries must adapt and enhance their resources, programs, and collaborations with other organizations to effectively serve as dynamic community-based information systems. Both statements are true and (R) supports (A).
Question 3: Assertion (A): Virtual reference service conversation causes certain current consumers a lot of anxiety. <br>
Reason (R): They are concerned that the chat transcript's contents will lead to unfavorable judgments from advisers and librarians.
- (A) is false, but (R) is true
- (A) is true, but (R) is false
- Both (A) and (R) are false
- Both (A) and (R) are true (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both (A) and (R) are true
Assertion (A) is true, as some users do experience anxiety with virtual reference services, often due to the perceived formality or permanence of written communication. Reason (R) provides a plausible and common explanation for this anxiety: the fear that chat transcripts might be reviewed, leading to judgment from librarians or advisors. This concern about being judged or having their questions recorded can deter users from seeking help.
Question 4: Assertion (A): The proliferation of information in electronic form in recent years has put a heavy burden on tiny public libraries. <br>
Motive (R): Small public libraries struggle to pay the high cost of e-resources' license fees and the equipment required to host them.
- Both (A) and (R) are false
- Both (A) and (R) are true
- (R) is true, but (A) is false
- (A) is false, but (R) is true (Correct answer)
Correct answer: (A) is false, but (R) is true
Reason (R) is true because small public libraries often face significant financial challenges in affording expensive e-resource licenses and the necessary technology infrastructure to host them. However, Assertion (A) is false; while resource constraints are a burden, the proliferation of electronic information is generally seen as an opportunity for libraries to expand access to information and services, not solely a 'heavy burden' that negates its benefits.
Question 5: Assertion (A): It is not necessary for university libraries in India to develop their reference collections in the digital age, according to. <br>
Reason (R): OCLC's "Question Point" offers subscribers a comprehensive virtual reference management system.
- Both (A) and (R) are true
- Both (R) and (A) are false
- (A) is true, but (R) is false
- (A) is false, but (R) is true (Correct answer)
Correct answer: (A) is false, but (R) is true
Assertion (A) is false because it is absolutely necessary for university libraries, including those in India, to continue developing their reference collections in the digital age. While digital resources change the *format* of the collection, the need for comprehensive, authoritative reference materials remains crucial. Reason (R) is true: OCLC's QuestionPoint is indeed a well-known and comprehensive virtual reference management system used by many libraries, but its existence does not eliminate the need for libraries to curate and develop their own digital reference holdings.
Question 6: Assertion (A): In order to address the issues of underuse of their information resources and services, libraries sell their goods and services. <br>
Reason (R): Because they do not offer access to electronic resources, libraries are underutilized.
- Both (A) and (R) are false
- Both (A) and (R) are true
- (A) is true, but (R) is false (Correct answer)
- (A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct answer: (A) is true, but (R) is false
(A) is true—libraries do offer goods and services as one strategy to combat underuse of their resources. (R) is false because lack of electronic resources is not the sole or primary cause of underutilization; many libraries today provide extensive electronic access, so the reason given is incorrect.
Question 7: Assertion (A): The "rule of three" in RDA, which requires up to three writers, is now the primary directive. <br>
Reason (R): RDA discourages access to names of individuals and corporate entities that are significant to users.
- Both (A) and (R) are false (Correct answer)
- Both (A) and (R) are true
- (A) is false but (R) is true
- (A) is true but (R) is false
Correct answer: Both (A) and (R) are false
Both statements are false. RDA actually moved away from the strict "rule of three" limitation, so it is no longer the primary directive, and RDA encourages—rather than discourages—providing access points for names of persons and corporate bodies that are important to users.
