ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Library and Information Science was established in 1962. There was no provision for Library Science Education in Karnataka State Universities earlier to this. Realizing the importance of the course and with an objective of preparing young men and women to take up this growing profession to organize and manage the libraries of all types, the elders have thought it fit and started the Diploma course in the initial stages. Later, in 1965 this course was upgraded to Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc.).The syllabus was a finer blend of theory and practice which in those days was a unique one and reflected the farsighted vision of those who were responsible for starting the course. The Masters Degree and Ph.D programmes were started in 1971 and 1973 respectively. With the growing recognition to the course, nomenclature was changed to Library and Information Science in 1980. In a way the University has emerged as a champion of cause by extending its active support to LIS Education and Research. Befitting to the encouragement of the university, the Department has so far produced over 115 Ph.D’s, around 30 students are pursuing research for Ph.D. and over 2000 library professionals are adorning the libraries in all parts of the country and abroad. Keeping in tune with the ever changing universe of subjects, user needs, impact of technology and above all the changing trends in the employment market, the department started the 2 year integrated Masters Programme during the academic year 1993 – 94 by discontinuing the Bachelors Degree. This has blazed a new trial in the LIS education from all the disciplines. In the process, the department gained recognition on par with other leading departments in the University and strengthened its infrastructure in all possible ways.

The Department has introduced Semester system in the year 2002 and Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in the academic year 2008-2009. The Department has collaborations with Universities in China, Germany and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. In 2009, the University Grants Commission (UGC) sanctioned Special Assistance Programme (SAP) DRS-I to the Dept. for the thrust area on “Application of Scientometrics and Informetrics for India.” At present, the department is well equipped with modern facilities that are required to train and provide the excellent LIS professionals to the society. As a part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration the Department organized 58^th International Indian Library Association (ILA) Conference during 24-27 February, 2013.