Doctoral Theses Awarded in Library and Information Science in India during 2010-2014: A Study

Abstract

The study presents an overview of the doctoral dissertations awarded in the subject discipline of Library and Information Science in India during 2010 to 2014. Some of the key areas analysed include, year wise overview of the doctoral degrees awarded and their growth on an annual basis. The study also focuses on the popularity of the subject at the state level and in universities across the country. From data analysis, it emerged that 177 doctoral degrees were awarded in Library and Information Science in India during 2010-2014. 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. A total 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 awarding the maximum 16.38 per cent doctoral degrees and at the institutional level, Baba Bhim Rao 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 also do not show any consistency in undertaking doctoral research in LIS in India.