Department Profile

The Department of Library and Information Science at Sardar Patel University has been committed to nurturing knowledge professionals since its inception in June 1982 with the launch of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLISc) programme. Over the years, our academic journey has steadily expanded with the introduction of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLISc) in 1988, the M.Phil. in 1991–92, and the Ph.D. programme in 1996. Each of these milestones reflects our enduring vision of preparing students not merely as Library professionals, but as leaders, innovators, and knowledge managers capable of shaping the future of the information society.

Our curriculum is regularly updated to meet the latest industry standards and incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Courses such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Knowledge Organization, Information Retrieval, Research Methodology, Digital Libraries and Data Science are taught with a blend of lectures, seminars, hands-on practice, and fieldwork.

Our faculty members are experienced educators and active researchers who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insight into the classroom. Their diverse areas of expertise include information literacy, digital curation, metadata standards, bibliometrics, open access resources, library automation etc.. Faculty are also involved in national and international research collaborations and getting award of research projects from ICSSR.

The department emphasizes research and innovation, encouraging students to undertake dissertations and project work in contemporary areas of Library and Information Science. Our research scholars are engaged in Ph.D. programmes, contributing to the body of knowledge in LIS through quality publications and conference presentations. Regular workshops, guest lectures, and training programmes are conducted to provide students with exposure to industry trends and to enhance their practical skills.

To support academic and research activities, the department is well-equipped with modern facilities, including a computer lab with access to digital tools, a scanner for digitizations, and a departmental library with a specialized collection in LIS. Students also benefit from access to the central library of Sardar Patel University, one of the finest university libraries in the region, offering vast physical and digital resources.

Library and Information Science Education in India

Librarianship as the special skilled work was recognized a century ago by Melvil Dewey with the result, he started the first library school in Columbia College Library in 1887 in USA. Fortunately, India could be able to have first library training course in 1911 in Baroda State, under the guidance of Mr. W. A. Borden, a trained American Librarian. With the result, Gujarat was fortunate to have the first book on Library Science in 1913, entitled “Hints on Library administration” by B. H. Mehta; then Librarian of Laxmi Vilas Palace, and a library journal entitled “Library Miscellany” in three languages, English, Gujarati and Marathi in 1912.

Thus, Gujarat State privileges to have first library training school or in the other words, one can say that Gujarat is fortunate to fire the engine of Library and Information Science Education in the Country.

Gujarat State has 100 universities including 2 Central Universities, 30 State Universities, 2 Deemed to be Universities and 66 State Private Universities. Apart from that 14 universities [1 Central University, 8 State Universities, 1 Deemed to be University, and 4 State Private Universities] are imparting Library and Information Science Education. Sardar Patel University is one of them.

Future Plan

To develop Central Institutional Repository
To start Research cell for Library & Information Science Professionals
To prepare Teaching Tools
To develop Rural Community Information Centre
To organize short-term courses on Research Methodology, Information Literacy, Library Cultivation among Students