Research Trends in Library And Information Science in Punjab During 2010-2020: A Study

How to Cite this Article 

Mahant, Jyoti & Singh, Sukhwinder (2024) Research Trends in Library And Inform ation Science in Punjab During 2010-2020: A Study. Academic Libraries: Sustaining Excellence Through Innovation & Technology, 337-347

Research Trends in Library And Inform ation Science in Punjab During 2010-2020: A Study

1. INTRODUCTION: LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN INDIA

The historical evolution of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in India is indeedfascinating and significant. The establishment of formal training courses in LIS in India dates backto1911 with the initiation of a training course in the state of Baroda. However, the real impetus for systematic education in LIS came through the pioneering efforts of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, oftenreferred to as the “father of library science in India.” Dr. S.R. Ranganathan played a pivotal role in shaping LIS education in India duringtheperiod of 1926-1931. His seminal work and initiatives at the Madras University Library, incollaboration with the Madras Library Association, laid the foundation for formal educationinthefield of library and information science. Through his visionary leadership, Ranganathan introducedstructured courses and curriculum in LIS, which were integrated into university programs. Following Ranganathan’s initiatives, LIS departments were established in various universities acrossIndia, offering courses at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. These programs aimed to equip studentswith the necessary knowledge and skills to manage information resources effectively and to servetheneeds of diverse user communities.

Over time, the scope of LIS education in India expanded to include formal researchopportunities at different levels. Currently, formal research in LIS is conducted at six levels:
i) Diploma: Basic level of certification providing foundational knowledge in LIS.

ii) Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLISc): Undergraduate degree programfocusingon core principles and practices in LIS.

iii) Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc): Postgraduate degree programofferingadvanced study in LIS, including specialized areas.

iv) M.Phil (Master of Philosophy): Research-oriented program allowing students to explore specificresearch topics in depth
v) PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Doctoral program enabling students to conduct original researchand contribute to the advancement of knowledge in LIS
vi) D.Litt (Doctor of Literature): Highest academic degree awarded in recognition of significant contributions to the field of LIS through research and scholarship

2. LIBRARY SCIENCE RESEARCH IN INDIA
The research in LIS did not get impetus till the last quarter of 20th century. Though the first doctorate in the subject was awarded by Delhi University in 1957, the second Ph.D. in LISwasawarded after nearly two decades. The research at doctorate level got boost after 2009, when the UGCin its eligibility criteria for Assistant Professors and equivalent posts including Librarians, exemptedthe Ph.D. holders from passing National Eligibility Test for lectureship (University GrantsCommission, 2010). Library science Research in India was initiated by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan in 1931, with the formulationof Five Laws of Library science. He even graded them as Normative principles, Fundamental laws, Canons, Principles & postulates.•Ranganathan cut new grounds & blazed new trials in Libraryscienceinitially by solo- research. Dr. J.S. Sharma, was the 1st Indian & one of the 1st few to earn doctorate fromUSA. Hewasawarded PhD by Michigan University for his thesis ‘Mahatma Gandhi: A Descriptive Bibliography. The 2nd PhD in LIS in Pandey S.K. Sharma for his thesis ‘Expansion and modification of DeweyDecimal Classification (18) for classifying books with special reference to Indian Philosophy, andIndian religion by Punjab university. 3. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate the landscape of Library and Information Science(LIS) research in Punjab, specifically focusing on the period from 2010 to 2020. The study aims to:

i) Assess the extent of scholarly output in the field of LIS within the specified timeframe.

ii) Evaluate the significance of LIS research in the broader context of academic scholarshipinPunjab.

iii) Examine the distribution of LIS research across three state universities in Punjab.

iv) Identify and analyze the top trends in LIS research during the study period.

v) Provide insights into the thematic focus and evolving interests within the field of LIS researchinPunjab. Through these objectives, the study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the status andtrends of LIS research in Punjab and to inform future research directions in the field.

4. SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
The study specifically focuses on the state of Punjab in India, examining LISresearchconducted within its boundaries. Three state universities, namely Panjab University, Chandigarh; Punjabi University, Patiala; and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, are the primary institutions of interest. The study delves into a decade-long timeframe, from 2010 to 2020, capturing the recent trends and developments in LIS research within Punjab. The study primarily revolves around researchworks pertinent to the field of Library and Information Science. It encompasses various aspects of LIS, including but not limited to Information Seeking Behavior, E-resources, Collection Management, Digitization, Information Literacy & bibliometric Analysis. The study quantifies the scholarlyoutput in terms of the number of research works, Ph.D. awards, and registrations related to LISwithinthespecified universities and time frame. It qualitatively analyzes the content and themes of LIS research works, providing insights into the thematic focus and evolving interests in the field. The studyevaluates the significance of LIS research within the broader context of academic research in Punjab, shedding light on its relative importance and contribution. The study identifies and analyzes thetoptrends in LIS research during the study period, offering valuable insights into the thematic directionand emerging interests within the field in Punjab. Based on the findings, the study providesrecommendations for policymakers, educators, and researchers to address gaps and informfuturedirections in LIS research within Punjab. By delineating these scopes, the study aims to comprehensively explore the landscape of LISresearch in Punjab from 2010 to 2020, providing valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders in the field.

5. LITERATURE REVIEW
Thavamani and Pushparaj (2014) conducted a study focusing on the doctoral degreesawarded in Library and Information Science (LIS) in the North-Eastern region of India from 2007 to 2011. They found that Information sources and services were the primary thrust area of researchintheregion, with over 38% of doctoral degrees being awarded in Meghalaya alone. This study highlightsthe regional variations and thematic trends in doctoral research within India.

Pandita, Ramesh & Singh, Shivendra. (2017) Conducted a study also focusingonthepopularity of the subject at the state level and in universities across the country. Fromdata analysis, it emerged that 177 doctoral degrees were awarded in Library and Information Science in India during2010-2014. Of the total doctoral theses awarded in Social Sciences in India during the period of study, a meager 3.05 per cent were awarded in the Library and Information Science. Atotal of 43 unique institutes and 17 states were identified which awarded doctoral degrees across India at an average of 4.11 and 10.41 degrees each, respectively. Gujarat emerged the most popular state by awardingthemaximum 16.38 percent doctoral degrees and at the institutional level, Baba BhimRao Ambedkar University, Marathwada emerged the leading institute with 9.60 per cent of the total doctoral degrees. There is a steady decline in the award of doctoral degrees in India, besides the institutions alsodonot show any consistency in undertaking doctoral research in LIS in India.

Partap (2015) conducted a study titled “Current trends in Library and Information Scienceresearch in India 2008–2013” published in Library Progress(International). This research providesinsights into the contemporary landscape of Library and Information Science (LIS) research inIndia, focusing on trends observed between 2008 and 2013

Singh and Babbar (2014) conducted a study titled “Doctoral Research in LibraryandInformation Science in India: Trends and Issues,” published in the DESIDOC Journal of Library&Information Technology. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of doctoral researchtrendsand issues within the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) in India.

Ministry of Human Resource Development (2010-2011): This report offers statistics onschool education in India for the academic year 2010-2011. While it primarily focuses on primaryandsecondary education, it provides a foundational understanding of the educational landscape, whichforms the basis for higher education and specialized fields like LIS.

DrEducation: Global Higher Education Research and Consulting (2012-2013): Thissource presents statistics on Indian higher education for the academic year 2012-2013. It sheds light on enrollment trends, institutional data, and other relevant information crucial for understandingthecontext of higher education in India, including potential implications for LIS education and research.

University Grant Commission (2016): The consolidated list of universities in India offersinsights into the institutional framework of higher education in the country. It serves as a referencepoint for understanding the distribution of universities across different regions and states, includingPunjab, which is relevant for the context of LIS research in the region.

Downs (1966, 1969): These seminal works by Downs delve into doctoral programs andlibrary resources, providing historical perspectives and insights into the evolution of researchinlibrary science. While dated, they offer valuable insights into the early stages of doctoral researchinthe field and its relationship with library resources.

Neelameghan (1974):Neelameghan’s work focuses on education for librarians anddocumentalists, offering insights into the academic programs and curriculum development in LIS education during the mid-20th century. This historical perspective provides context for understandingthe evolution of LIS education in India.

Kumar & Sharma (2009), Patel & Kumar (2001), Kumar (2010), Kumar (1973), Krishan (1973): These works collectively offer a comprehensive overview of LIS education inIndia, spanning historical perspectives, curriculum development, and research trends. They provide insightsinto the growth and development of the field, highlighting key milestones and challenges facedinLISeducation and research.

Panda and Hasan (2023) investigate the intersection of Electronic Theses and Dissertations(ETDs) with Open Science, revealing trends and patterns in ETD contributions in the 21st CenturyLibrary Science landscape, highlighting their role in knowledge dissemination and proposingstrategies to enhance discoverability and use.