Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Science has been offered since 2012. PhD research focuses on emerging topics and trends within library and information science, encompassing areas such as: digital libraries, library automation, open science, LIS education, library management, informetrics, scientometrics. Selection for the program is based on the University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) and a Personal Interview, with the number of successful candidates determined by the availability of vacant seats.
Research Proposal Template
Applicants seeking admission to the Ph.D. programme in Library and Information Science (LIS) at TISS are required to submit a detailed research proposal. The proposal should clearly communicate the research problem, its significance and the methodological approach. Please note that this is an indicative structure and a candidate will have to modify it to meet the specific requirements of the chosen topic or theme. Below is the format/template with guidance for each section.
1. Introduction and Literature Review
This section sets the stage. The Introduction introduces your research topic in a broad sense; explains why it's a significant area of study and narrows down to the specific problem you've identified. The Literature Review is not just a summary of what others have said. It's a critical analysis of the existing research in your field. It should demonstrate your command of the subject, identify key theories, methodologies and most importantly pinpoint the research gaps that your proposed study will fill. This means engaging with the foundational and contemporary literature on topics for a Library and Information Science (LIS) proposal.
2. Rationale for the Study
This is the "so what?" section. You need to justify the importance of your research. Why is it worth doing? What is its theoretical or practical significance? For LIS, this could be contributing new knowledge on information literacy, addressing a specific challenge in a library system or developing a new framework for digital preservation. The rationale must clearly articulate the contribution to knowledge that your work will make.
3. Objectives, Research Questions and Hypothesis
This section provides a roadmap for your research. The Objectives are the specific goals you aim to achieve. The Research Questions are the questions your study will answer. They are derived directly from your objectives. A Hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts a relationship between variables (e.g., "There is a positive correlation between the use of institutional repositories and the academic performance of students"). While not always required, a hypothesis is common in quantitative studies.
4. Methodology
This is a crucial section that outlines how you will conduct your research.
- Study Design: The overall plan or strategy (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, case study, survey).
- Sampling Design: Who or what will you study? This includes the universe (the entire population), the sample size (how many) and the sampling method (e.g., random, purposive, convenience).
- Tools for Data Collection: The specific instruments you will use (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, content analysis).
- Data Collection Plan: The step-by-step process of gathering your data.
- Data Analysis: How will you make sense of the data you collect? This includes the analytical techniques you'll use
5. Expected Results and Findings
Here, you should articulate what you anticipate finding and how these findings will address your research questions and objectives. This demonstrates that you have a clear vision for the research's outcome. It's not about pre-judging the results, but about showing that your study design is logically set up to produce meaningful findings.
6. Scope and Limitation of the Study
This section shows that you are a realistic and self-aware researcher.
- Scope: The boundaries of your research. What will you include? What will you not?
- Limitations: The constraints or potential weaknesses of your study that you cannot control.
7. List of References
This is a comprehensive list of all the sources you have cited in your proposal. It must be formatted according to a standard citation style. This section proves that your research is grounded in existing scholarly work.
Suggested Research Areas
The field of Library and Information Science is multidisciplinary, dynamic and constantly evolving. Candidates are encouraged to explore a wide range of topics, many of which intersect with library sources and services, technology, and data science. Below are some broad research areas to consider. Candidates should feel free to choose a specific research topic within any of these areas, or even propose a new topic, after consulting with a faculty supervisor.
- Information Management and Technology: Archives, Digitization, Digital Preservation, Digital Tools and Technologies, Semantic Networks, Web Ontologies, Digital Privacy and Security, Data Preservation and Curation.
- Information Access and User Behaviour: Information Seeking Behaviour, Information Access and Use, Information Literacy, Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Web-based Information Sources and Services, Open Access.
- Libraries and Society: Public and Academic Libraries, Library Administration, Library Automation, Library Finance and Infrastructure, Information and Society/Culture, Scholarly Communication, Copyright and Creative Commons.
- Information Science Theory and Application: Informetrics, Scientometrics and Webometrics, Knowledge Organization, Knowledge Representation, Knowledge Discovery, Information Retrieval, Information Visualization, Data Mining, Text Mining, and Natural Language Processing.
- Professional Development: Education of Information Professionals, Continuing Education Programs, Library Personnel.
Admission
For information on the application procedure, fees, deadlines and other admission-related details, please visit the TISS website: https://admissions.tiss.ac.in/
International Students
International students can visit https://admissions.tiss.ac.in/ for more details about programme eligibility, qualifications, fees and other important information.