Library and information science is a cross-disciplinary field that applies management, education, information technology, and other fields’ practices, perspectives, and tools to libraries’ collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination.
Through projects that have the potential to change how people interact with information and fundamentally influence how society evolves, the candidate could very well learn how to conduct independent research. Students can find prestigious job profiles such as Librarian, Senior Information Sourcing Analyst, Library Trainee, Library Director, Sr. Information Analyst, Teacher, Technical Professional, Researcher, Library Assistant, and others after completing this course study.
PhD Library and Information Science: An Overview
The following table lists the major highlights of the PhD Library & Information Science course:
Level of Course
Doctorate
Also referred as
Doctorate of Philosophy in Library & Information Science
Duration of Course
2-3 Years
Eligibility Criteria
Master’s degree in relevant stream with minimum 55% aggregate
Process of Admission
Entrance Exam Based
Course Fee for Course
INR 3,000-25,000
Average Salary Per Annum
INR 3,00,000 to 25,00,000
Profiles of Job
Researcher, Archivist, Library Director, Sr. Information Sourcing Analyst, Librarian, Library Trainee, Technical Professionals, Teacher, etc.
Top Areas of Recruitment
IT Companies, Libraries, Colleges and Universities etc.
The following eligibility criteria must be met by aspiring candidates for PhD Library & Information Science course study:
Candidates must have earned a master’s degree or a doctorate in a relevant field from a recognized university.
They should have a minimum grade point average of 55 percent in their master’s degree program. There is a relief of marks available for SC/ST candidates; they must have at least a 50% aggregate score.
Candidates with a minimum of 5 years experience in teaching or administration are also eligible to enroll in this course.
The university’s common entrance examination must be passed by the aspirants.
The PhD Library & Information Science curriculum curriculum varies by college and includes a few common subjects that students can choose from based on their interests.
The table below lists some of the most familiar subjects covered in a PhD library and information science course:
Study Subjects
Research Issues in Library and Information Science
Information and Society
Information in Ethic and Polity
Area of Advanced Studies in Library and Information Science
Preparation for Academic Career
Seminar
PhD Library & Information Science: Application Procedure
The following is a step-by-step guide to the application process:
Visit the university of college’s official website and register there using some basic information such as an email address and a phone number.
Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Ensure that you have filled out the form completely and accurately; otherwise, it would be rejected.
Scanne and upload the documents required in the prescribed format, then pay the application fee using one of the major online payment methods.
If you really are eligible for this course, the college authority will issue you an admit card within a few days to allow you to appear in the entrance exam on the scheduled date.
To reach the guaranteed cut-off rank, the shortlisted candidates must take the entrance exam and perform well.
Qualified candidates must attend a personal interview round hosted by the respective colleges in order for the colleges to determine the candidates’ knowledge and skills for this course of study.
The final list will be released based on their performance in the entrance test and interview round.
PhD Library & Information Science: Admission Procedure
Admission to the PhD Library and Information Science program is strictly based on candidates’ performance in the college or university’s entrance exam, which is followed by an interview process conducted by the respective university admission authority.
Candidates must have a master’s degree in the relevant field and an aggregate score of at least 55 percent (50 percent for SC/ST candidates) to be considered for acceptance to this course study. This course admission is based on the percentage obtained by applicants at their post-graduation level.
The marks obtained during the entrance exam and private interview session are used to determine the final candidate selection.
Aside from that, candidates must submit a research proposal along with an elaborated thesis on the research topic. Remember that the thesis must not resemble any previous work that has been done or is being done.
PhD Library and Information Science: Preparation Plan
The obtained results in the entrance exam and interview session organised by the respective universities and colleges are used to determine admission to the PhD Library and Information Science program. As a result, if you want to be admitted, you should study hard for the exam. Candidates should keep the following tips in mind as they prepare for the PhD Library and Information Science entrance exam:
The syllabus for the PhD Library & Information Science entrance exam will differ from one college to the next. As a result, it is critical to have a clear understanding of the exam syllabus. Download the entire syllabus from the respective college’s official website.
Must have a thorough understanding of the subject (Library & Information Science) and the topics covered at the post-graduate level.
The majority of PhD entrance exams are divided into two sections. The first section contains objective type MCQ questions on general aptitude, reasoning, and other topics, while the second section contains subjective type of questions on the subjects in question.
It is necessary to study previous year’s question papers in order to fully comprehend the exam pattern.
Daily practice mock tests and test papers are recommended, as is completing the paper within the time limit. It will boost your self-assurance.
For always being well-prepared for the exam, time management is crucial. Divide your time for each topic into manageable chunks and set aside some time for instant revision.
It is critical to revise on a regular basis. It will assist you in identifying your strong and weak points so that you really can focus on the latter.
Consider purchasing study and practice materials for PhD Library and Information Science that are currently available on the market. You could also turn to online coaching courses taught by the renowned teachers or professors.
Make a list of the best colleges in India where you can pursue a PhD in Library and Information Science.
Candidates should obtain at least a 55 percent aggregate score on their post-graduation course from a recognized university to ensure their eligibility for this course study in the top-most Indian colleges.
The most qualified candidates were shortlisted by colleges offering this course based on their performance in the entrance exam, which was followed by a personal interview session. As a result, it is critical to perform well on the test.
One year prior to the entrance exam, begin studying for the entrance exam.
The best way to get into a decent PhD library and information science college is to take the UGC NET or CSIR NET exams, which are used by most colleges to select candidates.
It’s critical to keep track of important dates or details relating to your preferred college’s admission process so that you don’t miss the deadline.
Should have a good understanding of the course syllabus offered by the various colleges, as well as the faculty members who teach there.
PhD Library & Information Science: Important Documents Required
Documentary proof for date of birth
Research Proposal *
Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the University last attended)
Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
Character certificate (from the head of the Institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
Passing/Degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination
No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
Gap certificate (if applicable)
PhD Library & Information Science: Important Entrance Exams
The following are some of the most important entrance exams for admission to the PhD Library and Information Science program:
Every year, the University Grant Commission administers the National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) to determine whether candidates are eligible for Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship awards in Indian colleges and universities.
CSIR NET: This is a national-level entrance exam administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to identify the most qualified candidates for Junior Research Fellowships or Lectureships in Indian colleges.
SLET: The University Grant Commission conducts a State-level entrance exam for the position of Assistant Professor or Lecturer in all states or some reputed Indian universities.
PhD Library & Information Science: Focus Areas
The PhD program in library and information science focuses on two major areas: library and information science. It is an interdisciplinary research project that provides detailed knowledge on library management practices, including information technology, management tools, and education.
Students in this research program will be prepared for advanced research, teaching, and administration.
This course study aids students in conducting independent research and analysis in order to comprehend the complexities of categorizing information and making it accessible to the public.
Students will learn how to interact with individuals using information and how it has a fundamental impact on society during this course.
The course is specifically designed to help students improve their management, organisational, and preservation skills.
The course teaches students how to organize information by teaching them how to classify, categorize, record, and maintain books and other study guides.
The course is ideal for students with strong communication skills and a working knowledge of scholarly and public knowledge resources.
PhD Library and Information Science: Top Institutes
Some of the best colleges in India for pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Science are listed below:
Ranking by NIRF
Institute
Average Fee (Annually)
Average Salary Per Annum
10
Banaras Hindu University
INR 8,368
INR 8,00,000
44
Punjab University
INR 21,000
INR 6,00,000
49
Sambalpur University
INR 26,000
INR 5,50,000
51
Chandigarh University
INR 70,000
INR 5,00,000
53
Osmania University
INR 3,000
INR 3,00,000
56
IGNOU
INR 16,800
INR 2,80,000
81
Pondicherry University
INR 25,000
INR 5,40,000
95
Singhania University
INR 66,500
INR 4,50,000
101
Periyar University
INR 25,000
INR 3,00,000
151
Kurukshetra University
INR 25,000
INR 5,00,000
151-200
Dravidian University
INR 13,450
INR 4,00,000
PhD Library & Information Science and M.Phil Library & Information Science: Key Differences
The table below shows a major comparison study of PhD Library & Information Science and M.Phil Library & Information Science courses based on a variety of parameters:
Basis of Comparison
Ph.D. Library & Information Science
M.Phil Library & Information Science
Course Level
Doctorate Level
Post Graduate Level
Duration of Course
2-3 years
2 years
Type of Examination
Semester Based
Semester Based
Eligibility Criteria
A master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent from a recognized college or university is required.
A master’s degree in the arts, sciences, or engineering from a reputable university with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent is required.
Process of Admission
Entrance Based
Merit or Entrance Based
Average Fees for Course
INR 3,000-25,000
INR 9,000-20,000
Institutes
Chandigarh University, Kurukshetra University, Osmania University, Punjab University,Dravidian University, Sambalpur University etc.
Loyola College, Christ University, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Delhi University, Stella Maris College, Jadavpur University, Madras Christian College etc.
Average Salary (Per Annum)
INR 3,00,000-25,00,000
INR 2,00,000-3,00,000
Job Profile
Researcher, Archivist, Sr. Information Sourcing Analyst, Library Trainee, Librarian,Technical Professionals, Teacher, Library Director etc.
Library Trainee, Library Science Technical Professional, General Librarian, Community Librarian,Information Assistant, Library Professional Assistant, Information Sourcing Analyst, Tutor etc.
PhD Library and Information Science: Important Book Recommendations
The following are some PhD Library and Information Science books that can help students gain a better understanding of this course:
Book Name
Author’s Name
History & Development of Libraries in India
R K Bhatt
Library and Society
JK Khanna
Knowledge and Information Technology Management: Human and Social Perspectives
Gunasekara, Angappa
Choosing and Automated Library System: A Planning Guide
Mathew, JR
PhD Library & Information Science: A comparison among Institutes
The table below compares the top three PhD library and information science colleges in India based on a number of key factors such as , admission process, course fee, NIRF ranking, average placement packages, and so on.
Chandigarh University
Dravidian University
Sambalpur University
Highlight
It is a private university with an NAAC grade of A+ that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in a variety of specializations.
It is a state university in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, that is accredited by the University Grants Commission. This institute offers undergraduate, graduate, diploma, doctoral, and certification programs in a variety of disciplines.
It is one of the state’s most prestigious universities. It offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and research-level courses in a variety of disciplines.
Place
Chandigarh
Chennai
Sambalpur
Ranking by NIRF 2020
51
151-200
49
Eligibility Criteria
A total of 55 percent in a relevant post-graduate degree course is required.
Post-Graduation in a relevant field with a minimum grade point average of 55 percent
A master’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 55 percent is required.
Process of Admission
CU-PhD Entrance Test/ UGC NET/ GPAT + Interview
DURCET/ UGC NET/ SLET + Interview
Written Test + Viva-voce
Average Fees (Annually)
INR 70,000
INR 13,450
INR 26,000
Average Salary Per Annum
INR 5,00,000
INR 4,00,000
INR 5,50,000
PhD Library & Information Science: Suitable Candidates
Interested candidates in Library and Information Science are qualified for it because they have the skill or competency in successful implementation or performance, which is considered necessary for a person to plan and carry out an action to achieve a set of objectives or complete a task.
They should have excellent communication skills, a customer-service attitude, a methodical approach, organizational skills, the ability to anticipate user needs, a broad general knowledge base, and the ability to deal with frequent interruptions.
To efficiently supervise the selection and organization of library materials, applicants should have understanding of a broad range of scholarly and public information sources, as well as follow trends in publishing, computers, and the media.
PhD Library & Information Science: Areas of Employment
Students are placed in libraries, reputable IT companies, educational institutes, research labs, and other places after successfully completing their PhD Library and Information Science course study. Some of the most popular and financially rewarding job options for PhD library and information science graduates are listed below:
Profile of Job
Description of Job
Average Salary (Per Annum)
Librarian
The librarian’s main responsibilities include selecting, developing, cataloging, and classifying library resources or book materials, as well as maintaining book records.
INR 2,50,951
Archivist
They must choose, assemble, categorize, preserve, and sometimes even collect important historic information or materials, as well as respond to questions..
INR 5,69,261
Library Trainee
They are primarily responsible for assisting patrons in selecting and recommending books and study materials, as well as developing library programs. Aside from that, they must hire, train, and supervise new library staff.
INR 4,80,000
Sr. Information Sourcing Analyst
They are in charge of gathering and analyzing data as well as organizing information for future use.
INR 6,07,019
Library Directors
Their primary responsibility is to hire, train, and supervise even regular library employees. They are responsible for overseeing the categorizing of library systems in order to ensure the library’s smooth operation.
INR 5,00,000
Some other Important job Profiles
Home Tutor/Lecturer
Professional Assistant
Library Trainee
Coaching Centers
Researcher
Technical Professional
Colleges & Universities
IT Companies
Library & Information Assistant
Community Library Librarian
Senior Information Sourcing Analyst
Libraries
Library Information Assistant
PhD Library & Information Science: Benefits and Scope
Given below are some of the most important benefits associated with PhD Library & Information Science:
Students who are familiar with scholarly and public information sources, as well as trends in library organisation, are ideal candidates for this course.
Graduates of this program may find jobs as librarians, archivists, senior information sourcing analysts, library trainees, and library directors in reputable universities, national libraries, museums, and information technology companies.
Doctoral students in Library and Information Science are also eligible for numerous research opportunities in their chosen field.
Apart from these, students can work as library assistants, with their primary responsibilities including access, shelf arrangement, fine levying, keeping track of missing books, and other technical work.
They can also pursue a teaching career as an assistant professor or lecturer in reputable public and private colleges and academic institutions.
PhD degree holders also have the option of continuing their education to gain advanced in-depth understanding in the same education field and finding work in other countries.
PhD Library and Information Science degree holders can probably earn a good CTC of around INR 3,00,000 to 25,00,000 Per Annum based on their research skills and expertise in the field.
The degree program teaches students how to organize information by classifying, cataloging, storing, recording, shelving, and maintaining books and materials so that they are readily available to readers and users.
They may also be assigned to jobs involving the cooperation and scheduling of the library’s financial operations, which is an important and necessary task.
Library assistants are also available; their main responsibilities include accession, shelf arrangement, fine levying, maintenance, and binding of books.
FAQs
What is the typical salary for someone who has completed this course?
According to their knowledge and skills in the related field, students could easily earn a decent salary of INR 3,00,000 to 25,00,000 per year.
What types of jobs are available in the field of PhD library and information science?
PhD Library and Information Science degree holders may find work in libraries, museums, IT companies, MNCs, educational institutes, colleges, and research labs, among other places.
What types of jobs are available to people with a PhD?
Students with a PhD in Library and Information Science can work as librarians, archivists, senior information sourcing analysts, library trainees, and library directors, among other positions.
What are the best colleges for a PhD in Library and Information Science?
Dravidian University, Punjab University, Sambalpur University, Osmania University, Kurukshetra University, and others are among India’s top PhD library and information science colleges.
What is the average cost of a PhD program in Library and Information Science?
Depending on the colleges and universities you choose, the average tuition fee charged by India’s top PhD Library and Information Science colleges ranges from INR 3,000 to 25,000.
What is the procedure for applying to a PhD program in Library and Information Science?
Admission to the PhD Library and Information Science program is based solely on the results of the entrance exam, which is followed by an interview round undertaken by the respective universities. Candidates who have received a qualifying score in the UGC NET/CSIR NET may be exempted from taking the entrance exam.
What are the minimum requirements for enrolling in this course?
Candidates for the PhD Library and Information Science program must have a Master’s degree or M.Phil in the related area from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 55 percent.
What is the length of a PhD program in library and information science?
PhD Library and Information Science is a 2-3 year full-time doctoral program in library and information science.