PhD in Library and Information Science is a 2-3 years full-time doctorate course which is the combination study of Library Science and Information Science. The course It is an interdisciplinary study that offers advanced knowledge on library management practices over information technology, management tools, education etc. To be eligible for undertaking the study of PhD Library and Information Science course, the aspiring candidates must have a Master's degree or M.Phil in the relevant discipline with a minimum 55% (50% for SC/ST candidates) aggregate score from a recognized university.
Information organization and retrieval: This includes studying the theory and practice of organizing and retrieving information, including cataloging, classification, indexing, and search algorithms.
Digital libraries and information systems: This includes studying the design, implementation, and evaluation of digital libraries and information systems, including digital preservation, metadata, and information architecture.
Information policy and ethics: This includes studying the legal and ethical issues related to the management and dissemination of information, including intellectual property rights, privacy, and freedom of expression.
Information literacy and instruction: This includes studying how people learn and use information, as well as how to design and deliver effective instruction to help people develop information literacy skills.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Library & Information Science |
Duration | 2-3 Years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in relevant stream with minimum 55% aggregate |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam Based |
Job Profiles | Librarian, Researcher, Archivist, Sr. Information Sourcing Analyst, Library Trainee, Technical Professionals, Teacher, Library Director etc. |
Top Recruiting Areas | IT Companies, Libraries, Colleges and Universities etc |
The specific entrance exam requirements for a PhD program in Library and Information Management may vary depending on the institution. Some universities may require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or another standardized test, while others may not require an entrance exam at all.
In addition to holding a master's degree, applicants for a PhD program in Library and Information Management should have a strong academic record, research experience, and a clear research agenda that aligns with the goals of the program.
A PhD program in Library and Information Management typically takes 3-5 years to complete, although the exact duration may vary depending on the program and the individual student's progress.
The specific selection criteria for a PhD program in Library and Information Management may vary depending on the institution. However, common selection criteria include academic performance, research experience, and potential for scholarly achievement. Admissions committees may also consider factors such as diversity, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
To apply for a PhD in Library and Information Management, candidates must complete the application process outlined by the respective universities offering the program. Candidates must typically submit an online application, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Additionally, some universities may require standardized test scores, such as GRE or GMAT. Candidates should check the admission requirements of individual universities for specific application details.
The cost of a PhD in Library and Information Management can vary depending on the university and the country in which the program is offered. Tuition fees can range from updated soon, per year. However, some universities may offer scholarships or financial aid to help offset these costs.
The syllabus for a PhD in Library and Information Management can vary depending on the university and program. However, typical course topics may include:
Job Profile | Job Description |
Librarian | The main responsibility of the librarian is to select, develop, catalogue and classify library resources or book materials and have to maintain records of books. |
Archivist | They have to select, assemble, catalogue, preserve and even retrieve valuable historical information or materials and answering queries. |
Library Trainee | Their main responsibility is to assist the patrons to select and recommend books or study materials and have to develop library programs. Besides these, they have to recruit new library staff, train and supervise them. |
Sr. Information Sourcing Analyst | They are responsible for collecting and analyzing data and organizing information for easy access further. |
Library Directors | Their main role is to hire, train and supervise even scheduled library staff. They have to oversee the cataloguing of the library systems so that they can make sure of the smooth functionality of the library. |
A PhD in Library and Information Management can prepare graduates for various careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private industry. Graduates of this program can work as researchers, educators, policy analysts, or information professionals. Some career opportunities include:
Some of the top universities offering a PhD in Library and Information Management include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.