About the Department

The Department of Library and Information Science (DLISc), established in 1958, is among the earliest centres of professional LIS education in India. It began as part of the University Library offering a Diploma in Librarianship. In 1978, it became an independent department under the Faculty of Mental, Moral and Social Sciences. The two-year integrated M.L.I.Sc. programme introduced in 2002 strengthened its focus on information technology and global professional standards. Today, the department offers postgraduate and research programmes and continues to play a leading role in LIS education and research in India.

Mission

To be a leading centre of excellence in library and information science, fostering ethical, skilled, and socially responsible professionals who advance knowledge and serve society.

Vision

• To impart quality education integrating traditional librarianship with modern information technologies.
• To promote research and innovation in the management and dissemination of information.
• To enhance professional competencies through practical training and community engagement.
• To contribute to the development of an informed, knowledge-based society.

Academic Programmes

The department offers two major academic programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of the library and information sector.

Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.Sc.)
A two-year integrated master degree programme focusing on various aspects of library management, information organization, knowledge representation, research methodology, ICT applications, and digital library development, etc.

Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
The doctoral programme encourages original research in emerging fields like digital preservation, open access publishing, scholarly communication, bibliometics, digital humanities, research data management, user behavior studies and publication ethics, etc.

The syllabi are continuously updated in accordance with the UGC model curriculum. The department has recently revised its syllabus in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) of India. Teaching includes lectures, practical sessions, project work, and field visits to major libraries and information centres.

Faculty and Research
The department has a dedicated team of experienced and research-oriented faculty members whose expertise covers a broad spectrum of LIS domains, including,

• Artificial Intelligence
• Bibliometrics and scientometrics
• Digital humanities
• Digital libraries and repositories
• Information technologies in libraries
• Information retrieval systems
• Knowledge organization and metadata
• Research data management
• Research ethics and open access publishing
• User studies and information literacy

Faculty members have published research papers in reputed journals, authored books, and undertaken UGC- and ICSSR-sponsored projects. They also serve on academic and professional committees at the state and national levels.

Infrastructure and Facilities The department provides an academically stimulating environment with the following facilities:

• A departmental library with over 300 books, reference sources, and access to e-resources through the Jayakar Knowledge Resource Centre.
• A computer laboratory equipped with library automation, digital library, and reference management software.
• ICT-enabled classrooms and high-speed internet connectivity.
• Access to online databases, institutional repositories, and Shodhganga for research support.
• A reading and discussion area promoting collaborative learning.

Students and Alumni Over 2,500 plus students have successfully graduated from the department since its inception. Many of them are serving as librarians, information managers, and academicians in reputed universities, corporate organizations, and government institutions across India and abroad.
The department maintains strong alumni relations through interactive sessions, guest lectures, and mentorship activities. Alumni continue to contribute to curriculum enrichment, research collaboration, and placement support.

Research and Extension Activities
DLISc is actively involved in promoting research culture and professional development through:

• Workshops and seminars on topics like research ethics, reference management tools, and digital literacy.
• Guest lectures by experts from academia and industry.
• National and regional conferences in collaboration with professional associations such as ILA, IATLIC, IASLIC, etc.
• Outreach and continuing education programmes for library professionals
• Training for NET/SET aspirants and orientation sessions for research scholars.

Future Plans

Launching short term courses and workshops in the area of Artificial Intelligence, digital humanities, research data management, and research and publication ethics, information retrieval, etc.

Strengthening industry–academia collaborations for internships and applied research.

Promoting international partnerships for joint research, faculty exchange, and virtual learning.

Integrating AI and data science components into the LIS curriculum to meet contemporary information challenges.

Contact Information
Dr. Shubhada Nagarkar
Professor and Head
Department of Library and Information Science
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind,
Pune – 411007, Maharashtra, India
Phone: +91-20-25693648
Email: dlisc@unipune.ac.in