MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MLS - Master of Library and Information Science facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Living entities known as microscopic organisms are too small to be seen naturally, but they can be viewed with the help of → Microscope
2. Which metadata schema was specifically developed to describe digital resources and improve web resource discovery? → Dublin Core
3. Which vocabulary encoding scheme provides standardized terms for the type of content in a resource? → DCMI Type Vocabulary
4. What does OAIS stand for in the context of digital preservation? → Open Archival Information System
5. Which U.S. program, led by the Library of Congress, focuses on building a national network for digital preservation? → National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP)
6. Which ethical principle is most directly supported by a library's decision to provide free internet access and computer terminals to all patrons? → Bridging the digital divide through equitable access
7. In information science, what is a controlled vocabulary? → A standardized set of terms used for indexing and retrieval
8. In a MARC 21 bibliographic record, which field is designated for the main title statement of a resource? → 245
9. Which metadata schema is most commonly used for describing digital resources in libraries? → Dublin Core
10. What is the main advantage of a cloud-based library services platform over a traditional on-premise ILS? → Reduced local IT infrastructure requirements and automatic updates
11. What does the CREW method (Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding) emphasize? → Ongoing systematic evaluation using specific criteria such as age, condition, and usage
12. What is a Submission Information Package (SIP) in OAIS terminology? → The information package submitted by a content producer to an archive during ingest
13. In RDA cataloging, what is the term for a person, family, or corporate body associated with a resource? → Agent
14. The elements of the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) are: → 16 digits
15. Which change management model describes an 'unfreeze-change-refreeze' process? → Lewin's Change Management Model
16. Which metadata schema was specifically developed to support documentation of digital preservation processes? → PREMIS
17. A librarian conducts a usability study of the library catalog and collects think-aloud protocols from 12 participants. This is an example of: → Qualitative research
18. What does the term 'imposed query' refer to in reference services? → A question assigned by a teacher or employer rather than arising from personal curiosity
19. Which classification system is most widely used in academic and research libraries in the United States? → Library of Congress Classification
20. What is the most effective first step when managing a significant organizational change in a library, such as implementing a new integrated library system? → Communicating the vision and rationale for the change to stakeholders
21. What is the CREW method used for in library collection management? → Systematic weeding of outdated or damaged materials
22. What is the key difference between a systematic review and a traditional literature review? → Systematic reviews follow explicit, reproducible protocols to minimize bias
23. Which organization is responsible for developing the Resource Description and Access (RDA) cataloging standard? → The Joint Steering Committee (now RSC)
24. The definition of collection development is ___________ . → The process of bringing up library collection to satisfy the use of the users.
25. In library management, what does the term 'span of control' refer to? → The number of subordinates a manager directly supervises
26. In library and information science research, what does 'triangulation' refer to? → Using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings
27. Which ISO standard provides criteria for auditing and certifying a Trustworthy Digital Repository (TDR)? → ISO 16363
28. What does the term 'information literacy' primarily refer to in the context of user services? → The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively
29. What is the main function of a library advisory board? → To provide guidance and community input on library policies and services
30. What is the Ranganathan principle that states 'Every reader his or her book'? → The Second Law of Library Science