Mapping Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science in India, 1950-2023

Abstract

The book Mapping Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science in India (1950–2023) by Prof. Shashi Prabha Singh and Dr. Parveen Babbar is a seminal work that provides an exhaustive analysis of doctoral research in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field in India over a period spanning more than seven decades. Through a meticulous mapping methodology, the authors trace the evolution of LIS education and research, beginning with the pioneering Ph.D. awarded to D. B. Krishna Rao and extending to recent developments. The study covers 112 universities and catalogs 4,362 doctoral theses, including significant contributions in regional languages, thereby reflecting the linguistic diversity of Indian academia. The book is structured into two volumes, with the first volume providing a historical overview and an extensive bibliographic analysis, while the second volume includes detailed appendices and indices. The authors' comprehensive approach highlights the impact of governmental policies, particularly India's Five-Year Plans, on the growth of LIS research. The book's detailed classification system and extensive data offer valuable insights into past trends and future research directions, making it an indispensable resource for LIS practitioners, educators, and researchers. By documenting the history and current state of LIS research, the book not only serves as a reference for understanding the field's development but also as a guide for future research endeavors and policy planning.