PhD in Library Science is, also referred as PhD in Library and Information Science, is especially designed for the individuals who want to achieve theoretical as well as practical advancements of library and information science. PhD program focuses on extensive coursework. It also provides an individual with an in-depth knowledge related to library management practices along with essential information technology, management tools and educational methodologies.
In the modern world, PhD degree holds an equal importance especially in the fields where advancements are being made, constantly. Library science has expanded its traditional boundaries into digital information systems, data management, digital archiving, artificial intelligence in libraries and much more. PhD coursework helps in preparing professionals to lead innovations in these fields, conduct research and take on academic and other leadership roles.
In this blog, we will talk in detail about PhD in Library Science, covering its subheadings including eligibility, admission process, job prospects, and research trends.
Table Of Content
🔷 PhD in Library Science: Course Overview
🔷 What is a PhD in Library Science?
🔷 PhD in Library Science Course: Eligibility Criteria
🔷 PhD in Library Science Course: Admission Process
🔷 Research Trends in PhD in Library Science Course
🔷 Job Prospects and Salary in India
🔷 Conclusion
🔷 Frequently Asked Questions
PhD in Library Science: Course Overview
Mentioned below in the tabular form is an overview of PhD in Library Science.
| Course Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Library Science |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Course Duration | 3 – 5 years, depending on the university. |
| Admission Eligibility | Master’s degree in library science and related fields with an aggregate of 55% or above. In addition, candidates must appear for an entrance exam and prepare their research proposal for a personal interview. |
| Course Fee | INR 50,000 – 2 lakhs |
| Top Institutes | University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, JNU, AMU, University of Calcutta, Osmania University, and more. |
| Salary | INR 4 – 10 LPA |
| Job Positions | University Professor, Library Director, Archivist, Information Scientist, Researcher, and Digital Librarian. |
| Entrance Exams | UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, and other university-based exams. |
| Recruiting Sectors | Universities & Colleges, Research Institutes, Public & Private Libraries, NGOs, Government Departments, and more. |
What is a PhD in Library Science?
PhD in Library Science is a doctoral program which focuses on the organization, management, preservation and dissemination of information resources in both physical and digital formats. It is also known as a PhD in Library and Information Science. A PhD in Library Science helps an individual in pursuing career choices including researcher, scholar, educator, librarians, and archivists.
PhD in Library Science Course: Eligibility Criteria
PhD in Library Science is the academic and professional field that deals with organization, management, preservation and dissemination of information resources in both physical and digital formats. Mentioned below are some of the important PhD eligibility criteria for this program.
1. A candidate should have completed their master’s degree in library science or related fields with an aggregate of 55% above from a recognized university.
2. A candidate must appear for the national-level entrance exam including CSIR NET, UGC NET, or GATE to be eligible for the admissions.
3. Individuals who have already appeared in the national-level entrance exam are exempt from the university-level entrance exam.
4. An individual should also prepare their research proposal as it is important in the personal interview round.
PhD in Library Science Course: Admission Process
Applying for a PhD degree might be overwhelming for an individual; it can lead to errors, too. PhD in Library Science is one of the growing courses due to it being one of the highest achievements in the field of academics. Mentioned below is the admission process for a PhD in Library Science.
Step 1: Researching: An individual should adequately research the universities which provide students with a PhD in Library Science. It is important to look at the eligibility, admission process & requirements, faculty and curriculum to see if it matches your aspirations.
Step 2: Filling in the Registration Form: Once an individual has selected their preferred university. The next step is to fill in the registration form before the deadline. It is crucial to fill in the form using your original documents to avoid any silly mistakes.
Step 3: Appearing in the Entrance Exam: The next step is to appear for the entrance exam which is conducted both at the national-level and at the university-level. Entrance exams are important as they help in determining if the candidate is eligible to appear for further process.
Step 4: Personal Interview: Only a few selected candidates will be asked to appear for the personal interview. The personal interview focuses more on the candidate’s research proposal. Along with that, the committee members also check if the individual’s research proposal matches the institution’s guidelines.
Step 5: Results Awaiting: With the completion of all the assessment rounds, individuals should keep themselves updated with the website as the results are announced there. In addition to that, an individual also receives an email as their “offer letter” which promises their enrollment.
Step 6: Document Verification: Once an individual receives the offer letter, they will be requested to visit the college for document verification. In addition to that, the candidate would have to pay the fee for their upcoming session. With this, the individual would be enrolled in the university.
Research Trends in PhD in Library Science Course
PhD in Library Science also focuses on extensive coursework and thesis writing. An individual who is interested in the field should know about the current research trends. Mentioned below are some of the research trends for PhD in Library Science.
1.Digital Preservation and Archiving: The current research work on this topic focuses on the preservation of digitally born content, web archives and research datasets. At the present times, cloud-based storage models are being produced for both libraries and archives. The future scope for the upcoming PhD researchers focuses more on AI-based predictive models for long term sustainability. Along with that, one could focus on different tools for the preservation of scholarly content with the help of web apps, Jupyter notebook and much more.
2. Information Literacy and Combating Misinformation: The current research trends help in organizing library-led workshops on media and digital literacy. Along with that studies are being conducted on user behavior for evaluating online sources. The future scope of research could focus on the development of gamified tools for critical information literacy. Along with that, AI assisted misinformation detection tools for libraries are in the process.
Some of the other research trends that an individual can use for their PhD in Library Science include User Experience & Accessibility in Libraries, AI & ML in Libraries, Library Automation, Smart Libraries and IoT.
Job Prospects and Salary in India
PhD in Library Science is one of the highest academic qualifications in the field of library management, information science, and much more. Individuals with a PhD in Library Science can pursue careers in academia, research, government and private sectors.
Mentioned below are some of the job prospects that one can pursue with the completion of a PhD in Library Science.
| Job Prospects | Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Library Director | The work of a Library Director is to manage library systems, resources, and staff at universities and national institutions. | INR 8 – 15 LPA |
| Researcher | The role of a Researcher is to conduct LIS-related research, developing policies for knowledge management and information systems. | INR 6 – 12 LPA |
| Knowledge Manager | A Knowledge Manager organizes and manages organizational knowledge for corporations, consultancies, and IT firms. | INR 7 – 12 LPA |
| Library Science Consultant | The work of a Library Science Consultant is to advise institutions on automation, digitalization, and management of information systems. | INR 6 – 11 LPA |
Conclusion
PhD in Library Science is a doctorate degree which deals with preserving, managing and organizing of information resources both in physical and digital form. An individual should have a master’s degree in the related field with an aggregate of 55% or above from a recognized university. Some of the future career prospects include professor, researcher, knowledge manager, library science consultant, library director and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PhD students who are also working professionals apply for Library Science degrees?
Yes, working professionals can also apply for PhD in Library Science depending on the university’s policy and the mode of education. An individual with a part-time degree is more eligible to apply as they have a flexible time schedule.
When will the PhD admission 2025 take place for PhD in Library Science?
Admissions to PhD in Library Science in 2025 takes place two times in a year with the qualification of entrance exams including CSIR NET, UGC NET, or GATE. The admission process usually starts in February and July.
What is a PhD in Library Science?
A PhD in Library Science is an advanced academic degree which combines the various aspects of fields including library management, information revival, digital technologies, and user services research.
Can I become a professor with the completion of a PhD in Library Science?
Yes, an individual can be a professor with the completion of a PhD in Library Science. One needs to appear in exams like UGC NET, GATE or CSIR NET to be eligible for the Assistant Professor role.
Do you think AI is of a leading importance even in a field like Library Science?
Yes, AI is becoming increasingly important even in a field like Library Science. This is because it isn’t a leading asset but works more to transform it by making the libraries smarter, more accessible, and more efficient, giving the professionals an easy way out for their research and other roles.
