Mapping Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science at Panjab University Chandigarh

A Study based on Students Perceptions and Expectations

Abstract

The paper examines doctoral research in the library & information science discipline at Panjab University, Chandigarh, based on student’s perceptions and expectations by posing several research questions. This study aimed to gain insight into research scholar’s perspectives on earning a Ph.D. Based on primary data from 48 respondents through a structured questionnaire in April 2018, the study tabulated, analysed and interpreted information to draw inferences. As the study is limited to research scholars at the DLIS at Panjab University, the universe of the study is relatively narrow. The study’s findings reveal that most respondents had a personal decision to get admitted to the Ph.D. programme. However, there were cases where better job prospects, promotion in career, some practical problems, and the advice of a friend/senior/teacher motivated them to join doctoral research. The Panjab University was the first and last choice for the majority of respondents for doing a Ph.D. Two-thirds of respondents stated that quality of doctoral research accomplished in the DLIS PU is good and applied, and three-fifthsbelieved that the research quality has improved with time. Only one-fifth of respondentsfound quality of physical Infrastructure for doctoral research work in the Department is of the best quality. Several respondents feel that doctoral research at Panjab University and India, in general, still depends on research models applied in Western countries, especially in the UK and USA. However, a group of respondents believed it is either struggling to have its own identity or is a blend of Western and Oriental modes. Researchers will be encouraged to choose regionally relevant and application-oriented topics.