Department of Library and Information Science

The Department of Library and Information Sciences was established in 1985 with a new approach to Library and Information Science education in the country. The Department introduced for the first time in the country a two-year integrated programme leading to Master's degree in Library and Information Science. The same pattern of education has now been recommended by the UGC under Model Curriculum in Library & Information Science in 2002. The University Library is being used as a laboratory for the students for practical training under the guidance of faculty members and practicing librarians. Thus, theory and practice are given equal emphasis through this integrated approach.

The thrust areas of research are: Information Storage and Retrieval, Information Management, Users Needs and their Information Seeking Behaviour, Computer Applications and Information Technology, Digital Libraries, Knowledge: Structure and Development, Measurement & Effectiveness of Information Services, utilization of Information Resources both in Urban and Rural Settings of North East India.

The Department has been regularly revising and updating the syllabus keeping pace with the rapid developments of information technology (IT) and its crucial role in the library and information profession. The last revision of the syllabus was made in 2003. Partial revision and introduction of two new papers was made in 2008. Since 1986 more than 500 students have already got MLISc Degree from the Department and about 15 students have been awarded the Ph.D. Degree. Many of the students passed out from this Department are well placed and working in many senior professional positions in the university libraries as the University Librarians, College Libraries, State Libraries, R&D Institutes, Private sectors, Lecturers in the University, IIM, etc.

The Department continuously undertakes the task of improving the professional competence of the library and information personnel of the region in particular. This has been achieved through seminars, workshops and refresher courses conducted from time to time by the Department.