FEATURE: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Research Productivity of LIS Schools

.
.3
17
in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD

l
rta
Theses to 2015

po
n,
io
Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan

at
lic
ub
rp
abstract: This article aims to present a comprehensive review of MPhil and PhD research theses

fo
produced by library and information science (LIS) schools in Pakistan from their beginning to
2015. It also explores the research trends in LIS, identifies gaps, and presents an agenda for future
ed
research by LIS scholars. The origin, development, and current status of postgraduate programs
pt
in LIS schools are also discussed. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire, by
ce

consulting previous research studies, and through personal communication. Findings show that
ac

although the number of LIS schools in Pakistani universities has risen to 12, just 5 offer MPhil and
PhD programs. A lack of PhD faculty members in LIS departments is the major hurdle to offering
d
an

MPhil and PhD degrees. However, many Pakistani LIS professionals are pursuing advanced
degrees, with 87.5 percent of the total theses produced in the last five years. Up to 2015, 19 library
d,

professionals have earned PhD degrees and 125 have achieved MPhil degrees from different
ite

Pakistani universities. Moreover, presently a huge number of scholars are enrolled in postgraduate
ed

programs at LIS schools.

y
op
,c
ed

Introduction

M
ew

odern library services in Pakistan began more than a century ago. In 1915, an
vi
re

American librarian, Asa Don

er

Dickinson, joined the Univer- In 1915, an American librarian,

pe

sity of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan, and

created one of the first library education Asa Don Dickinson, joined the
s
.i

programs outside the United States. Paki- University of the Punjab in Lahore,
ss

stan was then ruled by the United King-

Pakistan, and created one of the
m

dom as part of British India. Dickinson

is

stated that the purpose of his coming was first library education programs
Th

“to organize the university library and to outside the United States.

portal: Libraries and the Academy, Vol. 17, No. 3 (2017), pp. 451–470.
Copyright © 2017 by Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD 21218.
 452 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

teach modern library methods to the librarians of the Punjab.”1 This school tremendously
influenced library development all over the British India. From 1915 onward, the city
of Lahore served as a focal point of library activities. However, after Pakistan gained
independence in 1947, librarian-
. . . after Pakistan gained independence in ship was mostly ignored.2 Even
the program at the University of

.
1947, librarianship was mostly ignored. the Punjab was suspended from

.3
17
1946 to 1948.3
Presently, the scenario has entirely changed as there are 12 LIS schools in Pakistani

l
rta
universities, of which 5 offer postgraduate programs in library and information science.

po
The trend among Pakistani information professionals to seek higher education has also

n,
gained momentum. As a result, Pakistani scholars produce a substantial quantity of

io
research in the form of theses at the postgraduate level, but there is no compilation or

at
bibliographic database to report this research output. To fill this gap, this article attempts

lic
to provide a picture of this research work and to aid future research activities in library

ub
and information science.

rp
fo
Literature Review
ed
pt
Zulfiqar Ahmad and Nosheen Fatima Warraich argue that the research work by the
ce

students, researchers, and faculty members in a subject can be used to evaluate the
ac

professional development of that discipline.4 Similarly, Peter Macauley, Terry Evans, and
d

Margot Pearson declare research an essential element of any profession or discipline,

an

with library and information science no exception.5 Mirna Turcios, Naresh Agarwal,
d,

and Linda Watkins emphasize that both faculty and students in LIS must produce and
ite

consume research to satisfy requirements for tenure or graduation.6 They further explain
ed

that because LIS is a growing subject, analysis and experimentation in this field lead to
y

new insights and research. Khalid Mahmood and Farzana Shafique affirm that research
op

is an essential element of librarianship and that, similarly, librarians play a crucial role
,c

in the promotion of research.7 Librarians assist researchers in their work, and librarians
ed

themselves need to be skilled researchers. Mirza Muhammad Naseer and Khalid Mah-
ew

mood report that the history of library research in Pakistan dates back to 1916, when
vi

Asa Don Dickinson wrote The Punjab Library Primer,8 the foremost textbook on library
re

science written outside the United States. Since then, LIS professionals in Pakistan have
er

constantly added to the literature of library and information science.

pe

In 1978, in the first-ever study that highlighted library science scholarly activities
in Pakistan, Haider disclosed that a total of 275 master’s theses were submitted to the
s
.i

Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi from 1967
ss

to 1975.9 Haider also depicted the research activities of that time:

m
is

At present, research is primarily conducted by library schools either in the form of

Th

Master’s theses or on a voluntary basis by individual faculty members. The amount

of research and its quality is limited, but still the major areas of research have been
crystallized and the foundation has been laid for more serious work on various topics
of interest by future researchers.10
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 453

Later, Mumtaz Ali Anwar studied research activities at the Department of Library and
Information Science at the University of the Punjab. He reviewed the academic research
done in the department and revealed that, from 1975 to 1981, a total of 56 master’s theses
(called “research reports” at that time) were submitted.11 Anwar also furnished a list of
all 56 theses. In 2007, Kanwal Ameen carried out a study regarding quality assurance
in LIS higher education in Pakistan. Her research revealed that the issues about quality

.
.3
assurance were much like those in other countries in the region.12 Nevertheless, knowl-

17
edge about quality assurance is increasing, and competition among LIS departments is
growing. Ameen suggested that the following areas should be given priority: curriculum

l
rta
revision; faculty strength and student teacher ratio; uniformity in devising core courses;

po
methodology of teaching; evaluation methods; faculty hiring, development, and promo-

n,
tion; and physical facilities.

io
A review of the literature exposed two past studies regarding MPhil and PhD research

at
in library and information science in Pakistan. Haider and Mahmood provided insights

lic
into doctoral-level research.13 They further discussed the start of doctoral programs in

ub
Pakistani universities and the difficulties encountered. They pointed out a number of

rp
barriers blocking doctoral programs in LIS, including lack of support among senior

fo
students; less value for local PhD holders in the eyes of fellow professionals; little or no
ed
impact of early degree holders on the profession; and lack of financial assistance to pro-
pt
spective doctoral candidates. Their study also found issues regarding improper admission
ce

criteria, flawed topics of research, and poor quality theses due to improper supervision.
ac

Rais Ahmed Samdani and Rubina Bhatti conducted a study regarding the PhD re-
d

search work of Pakistani library professionals in Pakistani and overseas universities.14

an

Their study revealed that, up to 2011, Pakistani universities produced only nine library
d,

PhDs, whereas 19 Pakistani LIS professionals got PhDs from foreign universities. They
ite

further highlighted why so few LIS professionals engaged in PhD-level research. These
ed

reasons were insufficient opportunities, meager facilities, shortage of incentives, lack of

y

training for research activities, lack of interest from higher authorities, and poor status
op

of LIS professionals in the eyes of other faculty members compared to other disciplines
,c

in the academic institutions of Pakistan.

ed

Mahmood and Shafique assessed the changing environment of research in Pakistan

ew

and reviewed the supply and demand for LIS professionals having research experi-
vi

ence.15 Their study disclosed that research activities in Pakistan are growing so quickly
re

that an extensive gap exists between

er

supply and demand for LIS profes-

pe

sionals with research qualifications. . . . research activities in Pakistan are

s

Ahmad and Warraich examined the growing so quickly that an extensive

.i

literature originated by teachers and

ss

students of three LIS departments

gap exists between supply and demand
m

in the Punjab province of Pakistan for LIS professionals with research

is
Th

from 2007 to 2012. They pointed out qualifications.

that a lack of LIS literature at the lo-
cal level was the main obstacle in the
production of LIS research up to 1990s. Today, the situation has changed, and many LIS
professionals are working on diverse features of librarianship, libraries, and information-
 454 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

related areas. In 2014, Naseer and Mahmood presented a widespread subject analysis
of the LIS research literature produced in Pakistan from 1947 to 2014.16 They analyzed
5,195 publications, including articles, books, book chapters, conference papers, theses,
and reports. Their study showed that Pakistani LIS researchers mostly emphasized a
few subjects, paid slight attention to some subject areas, and entirely ignored the rest.
More than a quarter (26.7 percent) of the total focused on “information treatment for

.
.3
information services,” whereas 22 percent were related to “libraries as physical collec-

17
tions.” Areas receiving some attention included “industry, profession and education”
(12.3 percent) and “theoretical and general aspects of libraries and information” (11.4

l
rta
percent). Researchers paid little attention to “housing technologies,” “technical services

po
in libraries, archives and museums,” and “management.”17

n,
The trend toward higher education among Pakistani LIS professionals has greatly

io
accelerated for the last few years. An up-to-date study was needed to better understand

at
the current state of MPhil and PhD research produced by LIS schools in Pakistan.

lic
ub
rp
Objectives of the Study

fo
The focal point of conducting this research is to provide a detailed bibliographic review
ed
of MPhil and PhD theses produced by the Pakistani LIS schools from their beginning to
pt
2015. The background, evolution, and current status of postgraduate LIS programs are
ce

also discussed. The study also explores LIS research trends at the MPhil and PhD level,
ac

identifies research gaps, and presents an agenda for future research to inspire potential
d

LIS scholars and help to avoid duplication of research.

an
d,

Methodology
ite
ed

In this study, the researchers used a self-structured questionnaire for data collection. The
authors contacted the heads of departments of all LIS schools in Pakistan through e-mail
y
op

to obtain accurate details about MPhil and PhD theses. Additional information came
,c

from the websites of LIS schools, previous research studies, and personal communica-
ed

tion with scholars. A tabulation method was applied for data analysis, and theses were
ew

classified according to year, decade, research

topic, and university.
vi

At present, there are 12 LIS

re

schools in Pakistani universities

er

LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Synopsis

pe

that offer programs at different At present, there are 12 LIS schools in

s
.i

levels ranging from a certificate Pakistani universities that offer programs

ss

in librarianship to a PhD in at different levels ranging from a certificate

m

in librarianship to a PhD in library and

library and information science.
is

information science. In addition, the social

Th

In addition, the social sciences sciences departments of two universities

offer LIS programs. In the past, library as-
departments of two universities sociations at the provincial level also offered
offer LIS programs. short courses in library and information
 Th
is
m
ss
.i
s
pe
er
Table 1. re
vi
LIS schools in Pakistani universities
ew
ed
,c
LIS school op Year established Degrees offered
y
Department of Library and Information Science, University of Karachi
ed 1956 BLIS, MLIS
Department of Library and Information Science, University of Peshawar
ite 1962 MLIS
Department of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore d, 1963 MLIS, MPhil, PhD
Department of Library & Information Science & Archive Studies, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
an 1970 DLIS, BS-LIS, MLIS
Department of Library & Information Science, University of Balochistan, Quetta d 1981 MLIS
Department of Library and Information Science, Islamia University of Bahawalpur ac 1982 MLIS, MPhil, PhD
Hamdard Institute of Education and Social Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi ce 1992 MPhil, PhD
Department of Library and Information Sciences, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad
pt 2001 Certificate in Librarianship, BLIS, MLIS
Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of Sargodha ed 2008 MLIS, MPhil, PhD
Institute of Social Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan fo 2012 BS-LIS, MLIS
Department of Library and Information Science, Sarhad University of Science & Information rp
   Technology, Peshawar 2012
ub BLIS, MLIS, MS-LIS
School of Library & Information Sciences, Minhaj University, Lahore 2012 BS-LIS, MLIS, MPhil, PhD
Department of Library and Information Science, Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
lic
2014 BS-LIS, MLIS
at
Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Swat 2015 io BS-LIS
Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan

n,
po
rta
l
455

17
.3
.
 456 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

science. Library science is also available as an optional subject at the higher secondary
level. The University of Karachi and the University of the Punjab offer library science
as an optional subject at the BA level.18 Table 1 provides a list of all departments that
offer LIS programs.

.
Postgraduate LIS Education in Pakistan

.3
17
Currently, in Pakistan, there are three public-sector and three private-sector universities
that offer postgraduate degree programs in library and information science. The public

l
rta
sector universities are the University of the Punjab, the University of Sargodha, and the

po
Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Hamdard University in Karachi, Sarhad University of

n,
Science & Information Technology in Peshawar, and Minhaj University in Lahore are the

io
three private-sector universities that offer postgraduate degree programs in library and

at
information science. In the past, the MPhil and PhD programs in library and information

lic
science were purely research-based programs because Pakistani universities followed

ub
the British system. In that system, candidates were only required to submit a thesis on

rp
a topic approved by the Board of Advanced Studies & Research under the guidance of

fo
a supervisor. After 2000, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, which
ed
funds and oversees higher education in Pakistan, instructed Pakistani universities to
pt
follow the American pattern, under which coursework and submission of a thesis were
ce

mandatory for MPhil and PhD degrees. The Department of Library and Information
ac

Science at the University of the Punjab was the first to adopt this American pattern in
d

2005.19 The Higher Education Commission also made passing the Graduate Assess-
an

ment Test (GAT) with a 50 percent cumulative score mandatory to gain admission to an
d,

MPhil or MS program. University departments reserve the right to administer their own
ite

internal tests and interviews in place of the GAT. Likewise, for admission into a PhD
ed

program, candidates are required to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 out
y

of 4.0 in the semester system or to graduate in the First Division in the annual system
op

in an MPhil or MS-equivalent program. Candidates are also required to pass the GAT
,c

subject examination with a minimum score of 60 percent.20

ed
ew

DLIS, University of Karachi

vi
re

The Department of Library Science at the University of Karachi came into being on August
er

10, 1956. Initially, the department offered a postgraduate diploma in library science, then
pe

in 1962 added an MA in library science. In 1982, the department changed its name to the
Department of Library and Information
s
.i

Science (DLIS).21 The credit for initiating

ss

The University of Karachi became and stimulating scientific investigations

m

Pakistan’s first graduate school to in librarianship in Pakistan goes to this

is

department. The University of Karachi

Th

offer a doctoral research program

became Pakistan’s first graduate school to
in LIS in 1967. offer a doctoral research program in LIS
in 1967. It was purely a research program
based on the submission of a thesis on an approved topic, recommended by the chairman
of the department and approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research of the
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 457

university. In 1985, the department also started to offer an MPhil in LIS. The leadership
of Abdul Moid, the founding chairman of this department, played a key role in the rise
of this department.22 Abdul Haleem Chishti became the first Pakistani citizen to earn a
PhD in LIS from this department.23
So far, five PhD and two MPhil scholars have graduated from this department. Six
candidates, including five faculty members, are engaged in an MPhil leading to PhD

.
.3
program, and one is pursuing an MPhil. In 2007, the Higher Education Commission

17
made it obligatory for a department to have at least three PhD faculty members in order
to offer PhD programs in any subject. As a result, the Karachi LIS department closed its

l
rta
PhD program. At present, Munira Nasreen Ansari serves as chair of this department. The

po
department is waiting for its faculty members to finish their PhDs so that it can resume

n,
the MPhil leading to PhD program.24 See Tables 2 through 10 in the online version of

io
portal at http://muse.jhu.edu/journalsljournals/portal_libraries_and_the_academy/ for

at
complete lists of all the PhD and MPhil degrees in LIS awarded by universities in Pakistan.

lic
Table 2 in online only http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/4.

ub
rp
fo
DLIS, University of Peshawar
ed
The Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Peshawar was
pt
established in 1962. Initially, the department offered a postgraduate diploma course on a
ce

part-time basis. The master of library science program was introduced in 1983.25 In 1997,
ac

Abdul Aziz Saleem, then head of the department, took the initiative to offer an MPhil in
d

library science. The first MPhil degree was conferred on Syed Liaqat Ali, a member of
an

the department, in 2010. The topic of his thesis, written in English, was “Effectiveness
d,

of Information Technology in the Development of Library Profession in Pakistan,” su-

ite

pervised by Muhammad Abid with the assistance of Abdul Aziz Saleem. Later in 2011,
ed

in accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Commission, the MPhil
y

program closed because of a lack of PhD faculty members in the department. The faculty
op

members of this department are currently enrolled in PhD programs at universities in

,c

Pakistan and abroad and expect to complete their degrees soon. The current head of
ed

the department, Syed Liaqat Ali, hopes to start the MPhil and PhD programs shortly.26
ew
vi

DIM, University of the Punjab

re
er

Universities in Pakistan started to teach library science in the early twentieth century as
pe

a part of the official, budgeted activity of their libraries, but these courses were not aca-
demic departments.
s
.i

Usually, the chief li-

Universities in Pakistan started to teach library
ss

brarian would be in
m

charge of the training science in the early twentieth century as a part of

is

classes. The Depart- the official, budgeted activity of their libraries,

Th

ment of Information
Management (DIM),
but these courses were not academic departments.
formerly the Depart- Usually, the chief librarian would be in charge of
ment of Library and
the training classes.
 458 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

Information Science, at the University of the Punjab pioneered in library education and
training throughout Asia. An American librarian, Asa Don Dickenson, founded the
department in 1915 when teaching of library science began at the Punjab University
Central Library. This program was known as the Punjab University Library Training
Class and was listed in the library’s budget. In 1963, the Department of Library Sci-
ence was officially recognized for the first time as an academic department like other

.
.3
departments, with its own budget separate from that of the Punjab University Library.27

17
Initially the department offered a Certificate in Librarianship. Later, the certificate course
was upgraded to a diploma in 1956, with revised courses and duration, and a two-year

l
rta
master’s program started in 1974. The university began to offer a PhD according to the

po
old system of thesis submission in 1999. Regular research education programs for MPhil

n,
and PhD degrees were introduced in 2005.28

io
So far, this department has awarded 9 PhD and 37 MPhil degrees to LIS profes-

at
sionals. At present, 25 scholars are enrolled in the PhD program, of whom 17 are doing

lic
coursework and 8 are professionals, including 2 faculty members, working on their

ub
theses. Kanwal Ameen serves as chair of this department. The department has declared

rp
it mandatory to have a First Division MLIS and to take a written test and interview to

fo
enroll in the MPhil program. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 in an MPhil
ed
program and passing the written test and interview are mandatory for candidates to
pt
enroll in the PhD program.
ce

Table 3 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/5.

ac
d
an

DLIS, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

d,

The Department of Library & Information Science and Archive Studies was established
ite

at the University of Sindh in Jamshoro in 1970. Muhammad Ali Kazi, then the librarian
ed

of the Central Library, was the founding head of this department. Mr. Moinuddin, the
y

deputy librarian, became part of the teaching faculty. Later, Rafia Ahmad Sheikh was
op

hired as a faculty member. In 1970, the department began to offer a one-year diploma
,c

course in library science, which was extended to a two-year MA in library science in

ed

1974. The department started to offer a PhD in LIS in 2001 and an MPhil in 2007. So far,
ew

this department has awarded two PhD degrees. Eight other scholars are also enrolled in
vi

the PhD program, all working on their theses. The MPhil and PhD programs have been
re

suspended since 2009 because of a shortage of PhD faculty members.29

er

Table 4 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/6.

pe
s

DLIS, University of Balochistan

.i
ss

Balochistan had long felt a need for library education, but opportunities only became
m

available in 1980. Nonprofessional librarians managed most of the libraries in Balo-

is

chistan except in some rare cases. Consequently, the University of Balochistan in Quetta
Th

established the Department of Library Science, now the Department of Library and In-
formation Science, in 1981. Initially, the department offered a diploma in library science
(DLS). In 1984, the department also began to offer a master of library science degree. The
department started to offer a two-year master of library and information science in 2006
by adopting the new curriculum devised by the HEC.30
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 459

The department introduced a research-based MPhil program in 1994; so far, three

candidates have obtained their MPhil degrees. A PhD program in LIS was introduced
in 2003, and a student named Khurshid Ansari started work on his thesis but unfor-
tunately was killed by criminals. Muhammad Ilyas, a faculty member, started work
on “Development and Future Needs of Library and Information Science Education in
Pakistan” but withdrew from the PhD program for personal reasons. Later, under the

.
.3
requirements of the HEC, the MPhil and PhD programs closed because the department

17
had no PhD faculty member. The department hopes to resume its MPhil program soon.
Rehmat Ullah Baloch chairs the department, and Munazza Jabeen, an assistant professor,

l
rta
coordinates the MPhil program.31

po
Table 5 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/7.

n,
io
at
DLIS, Islamia University of Bahawalpur

lic
The Department of Library Science at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur came into

ub
being in 1982. Its name changed to the Department of Library & Information Science

rp
in 1990. The department initiated a PhD program in 1986 and awarded the first PhD

fo
degree to Muhammad Fazil Khan in 1991. The topic of his thesis was “Coordinated
ed
Planning for University Libraries in Pakistan,” supervised by Rafia Ahmad Sheikh.32
pt
So far, this department has produced 2 PhD and 25 MPhil scholars. Currently, 12 PhD
ce

and 17 MPhil candidates are enrolled, of whom 1 PhD and 9 MPhil scholars will soon
ac

submit their theses.33

d

Table 6 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/8.

an
d,

DLIS, University of Sargodha

ite
ed

The Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Sargodha came
into being in 2008. This department started to offer an MPhil in LIS in 2011 and began a
y
op

PhD program in 2014. Muhammad Fazil Khan spearheaded these initiatives. So far, this
,c

department has awarded 23 MPhil degrees. At present, 34 MPhil scholars are working
ed

on their theses. Likewise, 11 PhD scholars have completed their coursework and are
ew

preparing their research proposals. Haroon Idress heads this department. The depart-
ment administers a departmental test and interview for prospective students to select
vi
re

candidates for its MPhil and PhD programs.

er

Table 7 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/9.

pe
s

Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology

.i
ss

The Department of Library and Information Science at Sarhad University of Science &
m

Information Technology in Peshawar was established in April 2012.34 Saeed Ullah Jan is
is

the founder and current head of this department. Initially, the department offered BLIS
Th

and MLIS programs, and in September 2013, it introduced an MS in LIS. Prospective

students must take a written entry test and have an interview to enroll in the MS-LIS
program. To encourage bright students, the department also grants scholarships on a
semester basis. At present, 10 scholars from the first batch of MS-LIS candidates are
working on their theses.
Table 8 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/10.
 460 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

SLIS, Minhaj University, Lahore

The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at Minhaj University was estab-
lished in 2012.35 Rais Ahmad Samdani is the founding head of the department. The de-
partment offers various degrees in library and information science, including a BS-LIS,
MLIS, MPhil, and PhD. So far, 33 professionals have obtained MPhil degrees from this

.
department, 30 of whom graduated in 2014 and 3 in 2015. An additional 24 scholars are

.3
17
working on their MPhil theses. Eleven scholars are currently enrolled in the PhD program.
Table 9 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/11.

l
rta
po
Department of Urdu, Federal Urdu University, Karachi

n,
The Department of Urdu of the Federal Urdu University in Karachi started to offer a PhD

io
in library and information science in 2002. A former librarian of the university, Mukhtar

at
lic
Ashraf, enrolled in that program but could not complete his PhD due to personal reasons.

ub
Afterward, on the instructions of Zafar Iqbal, vice chancellor of the Federal Urdu Univer-

rp
sity, the Urdu Department closed this program. At present, the Federal Urdu University

fo
has no library information science department and offers no advanced degrees in LIS.36

ed
pt
HIESS, Hamdard University Karachi
ce

Hamdard University is one of the biggest private universities in Pakistan. It has no LIS
ac

department, but it does provide MPhil and PhD research programs in LIS under the
d

Hamdard Institute of Education & Social Sciences (HIESS). The institute requires can-
an

didates to pass the GAT general for enrollment in the MPhil program. Passing the GAT
d,

subject test is also mandatory for enrollment in the PhD program. So far, this institute
ite

has awarded one PhD and one MPhil degree, and one PhD and two MPhil scholars are
ed

in the process of thesis writing.

y

Table 10 in online only at http://muse.jhu.edu/resolve/12.

op
,c
ed

Findings and Analysis

ew

This section presents the findings regarding MPhil and PhD theses produced by the
vi

LIS schools in Pakistani universities. Analysis and interpretation of the data are also
re

presented.
er
pe

Annual Distribution of MPhil and PhD Theses in LIS

s
.i

This research study encompasses the period 1947 to 2015, in which LIS schools produced
ss

144 theses at the postgraduate level. For 30 years, from 1947 to 1977, Pakistan had no
m

research output in LIS at the postgraduate

is

For 30 years, from 1947 to 1977, level. Table 11 lists the distribution of MPhil
Th

and PhD theses in LIS produced by the

Pakistan had no research output Pakistani universities by years from 1978
in LIS at the postgraduate level. to 2015. For MPhil theses, 2014 was the
most productive year, with 53 LIS scholars
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 461

Table 11.
Annual distribution of MPhil and PhD theses in LIS

.
.3
Year Number of Number of Total number Percentage of

17
MPhil theses PhD theses of theses total

l
rta
1978 – 1 1 0.7%

po
1991 – 1 1 0.7%

n,
1992 – 1 1 0.7%

io
1996 2 – 2 1.4%

at
2000 1 – 1 0.7%

lic
2004 – 1 1 0.7%

ub
2005 – 2 2 1.4%

rp
2007 – 1 1 0.7%

fo
2008 3 – 3 2.1%
2009 3 2 ed 5 3.5%
pt
2010 4 – 4 2.8%
ce

2011 21 3 24 16.7%
ac

2012 2 4 6 4.2%
d

2013 18 1 19 13.2%
an

2014 53 – 53 36.8%
d,

2015 18 2 20 13.9%
ite

Total 125 19 144 100%

ed
y
op

completing their MPhil in that year, 42 percent of the total. For PhD theses, 2012 was
,c

the most productive year, with four LIS scholars completing their PhDs that year, 21
ed

percent of the total. In total thesis production, 2014 was the most productive year, with
ew

53 theses produced in that year, 36.8 percent of the total MPhil and PhD theses. In the
beginning, higher education was rare for LIS professionals in Pakistan. However, since
vi
re

2010, the trend toward higher education has grown sharply.

er
pe

Growth of MPhil and PhD Theses in LIS by Decades

s

Table 12 and Figure 1 illustrate the growth of MPhil and PhD theses produced by
.i

Pakistani LIS schools by decades from 1947 to 2015. Statistics reveal almost no growth
ss

in higher education among Pakistani

m

library professionals for three decades, In the first five years of the current
is
Th

from 1947 to 1969. In the fourth decade,

from 1970 to 1979, a library professional decade, Pakistani universities have
named Abdul Haleem Chishti achieved produced 116 MPhil and 10 PhD
a PhD in LIS from the University of
Karachi. The fifth decade from 1980 to
theses in LIS, 87.5 percent of the
total theses.
 462 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

Table 12.
Growth of MPhil and PhD theses in LIS by decades

D
ecade MPhil PhD Total Percentage Remarks

.
.3
theses theses

17
l
1947–1949

rta
(partial decade) 0 0 0 0% Nil growth

po
1950–1959 0 0 0 0% Nil growth 

n,
1960–1969 0 0 0 0% Nil growth

io
1970–1979 0 1 1 0.69% Initial growth 

at
1980–1989 0 0 0 0% Nil growth 

lic
1990–1999 2 2 4 2.77% Slow growth 

ub
2000–2009 7 6 13 9.02% Moderate growth 

rp
2010–2015

fo
(partial decade) 116 10 126 87.50% Exceptional growth
ed
pt
ce
ac
d
an
d,
ite
ed
y
op
,c
ed
ew
vi
re

Figure 1. Progress by decades of MPhil and PhD degrees awarded by

er

LIS schools in Pakistan, 1947 to 2015

pe
s
.i

1989 saw no MPhil or PhD degrees awarded in LIS. The sixth decade from 1990 to 1999
ss

was slightly more productive, with two MPhil and two PhD theses, 2.8 percent of the
m

total theses. The seventh decade from 2000 to 2009 recorded an increase in research with
is

seven MPhil and six PhD theses in LIS, 9 percent of the total. The current decade, from
Th

2010 to 2015, has recorded exceptional growth both in MPhil and PhD theses. In the first
five years of the current decade, Pakistani universities have produced 116 MPhil and 10
PhD theses in LIS, 87.5 percent of the total theses. This shows that the trend of higher
education among Pakistani LIS professionals has greatly accelerated.
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 463

Location of Universities Offering Postgraduate Programs in LIS

Pakistan is administratively divided into four provinces: (1) Punjab, (2) Sindh, (3) Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, abbreviated KPK, and (4) Balochistan. Figure 2 shows the location of the
five universities that offer MPhil and PhD programs in LIS. Of these five, four are in
Punjab and one in KPK. In Sindh and Balochistan, no university offers a postgraduate

.
program in LIS. In the past, universities in these two provinces offered MPhil and PhD

.3
17
degrees in LIS, but due to a lack of PhD faculty members, they could not continue these
programs.

l
rta
po
n,
io
at
lic
ub
rp
fo
ed
pt
ce
ac
d
an
d,
ite
ed
y
op

Figure 2. Location of universities in Pakistan offering MPhil and

,c

PhD programs in LIS

ed
ew

Distribution of MPhil and PhD Theses in LIS by University

vi
re

Table 13 shows the distribution of MPhil and PhD theses in library and information
er

science by university. The University of the Punjab is the leading higher education
pe

institution in terms of research output in LIS at the postgraduate level, with 37 MPhil
s

theses and 9 PhD theses, 31.9 percent of the total theses. Minhaj University stands in
.i

second place with 33 MPhil theses, 22.9 percent of the total. The Islamia University of
ss

Bahawalpur holds the third position with 25 MPhil and 2 PhD theses, 18.8 percent of the
m

total. The University of Sargodha has produced 23 MPhil theses, 16 percent of the total,
is
Th

and ranks fourth. The University of Karachi is fifth with 2 MPhil and 5 PhD theses. The
University of Balochistan, Quetta is sixth with 3 MPhil theses. The University of Sindh,
Jamshoro and Hamdard University, Karachi tie for seventh place with 2 theses each.
The University of Peshawar is last with only 1 MPhil thesis.
 464 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

Table 13.
Distribution of MPhil and PhD theses in LIS by university

.
.3
Rank University MPhil PhD Total Percentage

17
theses theses of total

l
rta
1 University of the Punjab, Lahore 37 9 46 31.9%

po
2 Minhaj University, Lahore 33 – 33 22.9%

n,
3 Islamia University of Bahawalpur 25 2 27 18.8%

io
4 University of Sargodha 23 – 23 16.0%

at
5 University of Karachi 2 5 7 4.9%

lic
6 University of Balochistan, Quetta 3 – 3 2.1%

ub
7 University of Sindh, Jamshoro – 2 2 1.4%

rp
7 Hamdard University, Karachi 1 1 2 1.4%

fo
8 University of Peshawar 1 – 1 0.7%
ed
pt
ce
ac

Research Topics Most Explored by LIS Scholars

d

Although MPhil and PhD scholars choose diverse topics for their research work, some
an

topics are explored more often. Figure 4 shows that “information needs and seeking
d,

behavior of users” ranks as the most researched topic with 34 theses. This is followed
ite

by “library services” with 20 theses and “information literacy” with 15 theses. “Digital
ed

libraries,” “digital resources,” “digital repositories,” and marketing of library resources

y

and services tie for fourth position with 10 theses for each topic (see Figure 4).
op
,c

Least Researched Topics

ed

Table 14 lists the topics that received the least attention from LIS researchers, with fewer
ew

than five MPhil or PhD theses completed or in the process of completion. The topics
vi

include “knowledge management,” “library anxiety of users,” “acquisition,” “collec-

re

tion development,” and “public, school, and special libraries.” For the complete list,
er

see Table 14.

pe
s

Future Trends for Research in LIS

.i
ss

Among the many future trends in LIS research would be such topics as virtual commons
m

(information resources created and shared over the Internet); learning commons (places
is

where students practice collaborative learning); information commons; open access

Th

publishing; big data (extremely large data sets that may be analyzed computationally
to reveal patterns and trends); institutional repositories; cloud computing (which relies
on Web-based services instead of local servers); the semantic Web (which provides
common formats to facilitate the exchange of data); twenty-first century library build-
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 465

.
.3
17
l
rta
po
n,
io
at
lic
ub
rp
fo
ed
pt
ce
ac
d
an

Figure 3. Distribution of MPhil and PhD theses in LIS by university

d,
ite
ed
y
op
,c
ed
ew
vi
re
er
pe
s
.i
ss
m
is
Th

Figure 4. Thesis topics most often explored by LIS scholars

 466 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

Table 14.
Thesis topics least often explored by LIS scholars

.
.3
Topic Number of theses

17
l
Knowledge management 4

rta
Library anxiety of users 4

po
Acquisition 3

n,
Collection development 3

io
Public libraries 3

at
School libraries 3

lic
Special libraries 3

ub
Bibliography 2

rp
Continuing education 2

fo
Religious libraries 2
E-journals usage ed 2
pt
Internet 2
ce

Islamic libraries 2
ac

Knowledge sharing 2
d

Library associations 2
an

Library automation 2
d,

Library funding 2
ite

Library software 2
ed

Manuscripts 2
y

Plagiarism 2
op

Security systems 2
,c

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis 2

ed

Training needs assessment 2

ew

Web technologies usage 2

vi

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) library standards 1

re

Classification schemes 1
er

Academic libraries 1
pe

Cataloging 1
s

Computer anxiety 1
.i

Copyright and book piracy 1

ss
m

Digital reference services 1

Distance education 1
is
Th

Electronic books 1
Female professionals 1
Google Scholar 1
Work stress and job output 1
Internship 1
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 467

Table 14, continued.

Topic Number of theses

Leadership style 1
Librarianship 1

.
LIS education 1

.3
Library legislation 1

17
Library movement 1

l
rta
LIS curricula 1
Machine-readable cataloging (MARC) 1

po
Medical libraries 1

n,
Model information system 1

io
at
National library of Pakistan 1

lic
Resource description and access (RDA) 1

ub
Reference interviews 1

rp
Resources sharing 1

fo
Use of search engines 1
Web OPAC (online public access catalog) 1
ed
pt
ce
ac

ings; mobile technology in libraries; library 3.0 (in which libraries use cloud computing,
mobile devices, and other new technologies to make their collections accessible); and
d
an

research data management services. Potential LIS scholars could choose these or many
other topics for thesis writing.
d,
ite
ed

Conclusion and Recommendations

y
op

This study provided a detailed review regarding MPhil and PhD research in library and
,c

information science at universities in Pakistan. Postgraduate-level education in LIS has

ed

gradually gained momentum for the last five years. During the last 68 years, from 1947
to 2015, Pakistani univer-
ew

sities conferred only 125

vi

MPhil and 19 PhD de- Since 2009, four LIS schools—those at the uni-
re

grees in LIS. Currently, 90 versities of Karachi, Peshawar, Sindh, and Balo-

er

LIS scholars are working

pe

chistan—have suspended their MPhil and PhD

on MPhil theses, and 24
s

LIS scholars are working programs due to the “Quality Criteria” of the
.i
ss

on PhD theses. Moreover, HEC. According to these standards, a university

m

approximately 50 LIS
department must have at least two permanent
is

scholars are enrolled in

Th

PhD programs and over PhD faculty members to offer an MPhil/MS

100 are enrolled in MPhil
program and at least three permanent PhD
programs. Since 2009,
four LIS schools—those faculty members to offer a PhD program.
 468 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

at the universities of Karachi, Peshawar, Sindh, and Balochistan—have suspended their

MPhil and PhD programs due to the “Quality Criteria” of the HEC. According to these
standards, a university department must have at least two permanent PhD faculty mem-
bers to offer an MPhil/MS program and at least three permanent PhD faculty members
to offer a PhD program.37 These LIS schools face a shortage of PhD faculty members
and are waiting for faculty members to complete their PhDs so that the MPhil and PhD

.
.3
programs may be resumed. Although the HEC has defined “Criteria for Admission in

17
MS/MPhil and PhD Programs,” some LIS departments follow their own guidelines.
Some departments require the GAT (general and subject), and some administer their

l
rta
own internal written test and interviews for admission into MPhil and PhD programs.

po
Previous Pakistani studies highlighted the hurdles of doctoral programs in LIS.

n,
These barriers included “low esteem for an indigenous PhD degree in the eyes of fellow

io
professionals; little or no impact of earlier recipients of the degree on the profession; and

at
unavailability of financial assistance to the prospective candidates.”38 At present, the

lic
situation has drastically changed. As an incentive to earn advanced degrees, the govern-

ub
ment of Pakistan has announced an allowance of 10,000 rupees per month for employees

rp
who hold a PhD and 5,000 rupees for employees who hold an MS or MPhil. Likewise,

fo
the HEC offers indigenous scholarships for PhD programs in all subjects. Incentives like
ed
these will persuade Pakistani library professionals to undertake higher studies.
pt
ce

Recommendations
ac

The findings reported in this article suggest some recommendations:

d
an

• All LIS schools in Pakistani universities should emphasize the quality of research-
d,

oriented degrees.
ite

• LIS schools should coordinate the standardization of curricula for all LIS pro-
ed

grams, especially for the MPhil and PhD.

y

• The government of Pakistan ought to announce a promotion in pay scale for

op

MPhil and PhD degree holders.

,c

• Admission procedures should be standardized among all LIS schools in Pakistan.

ed

• LIS schools must emphasize the publication of their produced theses in national
ew

or international journals.
vi

• Pakistani library professionals have developed two websites, “LIS Research” and
re

“Pak LIS Research,” that offer partial information about MPhil and PhD degree
er

holders and their thesis topics,39 but consolidation and regular updates of these
pe

websites are needed to fully meet their objectives.

• Just as the HEC requires publication of a research paper for the PhD degree, the
s
.i

HEC should make obligatory the publication of one research paper in an HEC-
ss

approved journal for an MPhil degree.

m
is
Th

The Pakistan Research Repository

The Pakistan Research Repository is a project of the HEC. The purpose of this repository
is to disseminate the research produced by the higher education institutions of Pakistan
in the shape of PhD theses. This repository provides a free, single-search access to 9,760
 Arslan Sheikh and Saeed Ullah Jan 469

PhD theses of different Pakistani universities on various subjects.40 Although the HEC
has taken the initiative for the preservation of PhD theses by launching the repository,
unfortunately, not all PhD theses are available through this resource. Of 19 Pakistani LIS
scholars who have completed their PhDs from different Pakistani universities, only 8 of
their theses are accessible through the repository. The HEC should make it obligatory
for the LIS schools and other departments of Pakistani universities to submit their PhD

.
.3
theses to the repository to fulfill its purpose. All MPhil theses should also be included

17
and preserved through the HEC Research Repository. This would address the problem
of online unavailability of MPhil and PhD theses in Pakistan.

l
rta
po
Arslan Sheikh is an assistant librarian in Library Information Services at COMSATS

n,
(Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South) Institute of

io
Information Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan; he may be reached by e-mail at: arslan_sheikh@

at
comsats.edu.pk.

lic
ub
Saeed Ullah Jan is an assistant professor in the Department of Library & Information Science

rp
at Khushal Khan Khattak University in Karak, Pakistan; he may be reached by e-mail at:

fo
saadullahjan2011@gmail.com.
ed
pt
Notes
ce
ac

1. Asa Don Dickinson, “Memoirs” (1915), unpublished.

2. Syed Jalaluddin Haider and Khalid Mahmood, “MPhil and PhD Library and Information
d
an

Science Research in Pakistan: An Evaluation,” Library Review 56, 5 (2007): 407–17.

3. Syed Jalaluddin Haider, “Pioneers of Library Movement in Pakistan,” Pakistan Journal
d,

of Library & Information Science 2007, 8 (2007): 1–14, http://core.ac.uk/download/

ite

pdf/11882548.pdf.
ed

4. Zulfiqar Ahmad and Nosheen Fatima Warraich, “Patterns of LIS Literature Produced by
Pakistani Authors, 2007–2012,” Chinese Librarianship 36 (2013).
y
op

5. Peter Macauley, Terry Evans, and Margot Pearson, “Australian PhDs by LIS Educators,
Researchers and Practitioners: Depicting Diversity and Demise,” Library & Information
,c

Science Research 32, 4 (2010): 258–64.

ed

6. Mirna E. Turcios, Naresh Agarwal, and Linda Watkins, “Library & Information Science
ew

Literature: How Much of It Is Research?” Proceedings of the American Society for Information
Science and Technology 49, 1 (2012): 1–4.
vi

7. Khalid Mahmood and Farzana Shafique, “Changing Research Scenario in Pakistan and
re

Demand for Research Qualified LIS Professionals,” Library Review 59, 4 (2010): 291–303.
er

8. Mirza Muhammad Naseer and Khalid Mahmood, “LIS Research in Pakistan: An Analysis
pe

of Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal 1998–2007,” Library Philosophy and

Practice (June 2009); Asa Don Dickinson, The Punjab Library Primer (Lahore: University of
s
.i

the Panjab [sic], 1916).

ss

9. Syed Jalaluddin Haider, “Status of Library Research in Pakistan,” Libri 28, 1 (1978): 326–37.

m

10. Ibid., 336.

is

11. Mumtaz Ali Anwar, “Research in Library Science at the University of the Punjab, Lahore
Th

(Pakistan),” Libri 32, 1 (1982): 284–87.

12. Kanwal Ameen, “Issues of Quality Assurance (QA) in LIS Higher Education in Pakistan,”
presentation at World Library and Information Congress: 73rd IFLA (International
Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) General Conference and Council,
August 19–23, 2007, Durban, South Africa.
 470 Research Productivity of LIS Schools in Pakistan: A Study of MPhil and PhD Theses to 2015

13. Haider and Mahmood, “MPhil and PhD Library and Information Science Research in
Pakistan.”
14. Rais Ahmed Samdani and Rubina Bhatti, “Doctoral Research in Library and Information
Science by Pakistani Professionals: An Analysis,” Library Philosophy and Practice, November
2011, http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1723&context=libphilpr
ac.
15. Mahmood and Shafique, “Changing Research Scenario in Pakistan and Demand for

.
.3
Research Qualified LIS Professionals.”

17
16. Mirza Muhammad Naseer and Khalid Mahmood, “Subject Dispersion of LIS Research in
Pakistan,” Library & Information Science Research 36, 2 (2014): 114–19.

l
rta
17. Ibid., 114.
18. Haider and Mahmood, “MPhil and PhD Library and Information Science Research in

po
Pakistan.”

n,
19. Khalid Mahmood, personal communication, October 6, 2015.

io
20. Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, accessed October 3, 2015, http://www.hec.gov.

at
pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/QALI/QADivision/Pages/QAdivision.aspx.

lic
21. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Karachi, Pakistan, accessed

ub
September 12, 2015, http://uok.edu.pk/faculties/libraryinformationsciences/index.php.

rp
22. Haider, “Status of Library Research in Pakistan.”
23. Haider and Mahmood, “MPhil and PhD Library and Information Science Research in

fo
Pakistan.”
ed
24. Munira Nasreen Ansari, personal communication, September 7, 2015.
pt
25. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Peshawar, Pakistan, accessed
ce

September 7, 2015, http://www.uop.edu.pk/departments/?q=Department-of-Library-

and-Information-Science.
ac

26. Syed Liaqat Ali, personal communication, September 8, 2015.

d

27. Mumtaz Ali Anwar, personal communication, October 5, 2015.

an

28. Department of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, accessed

d,

September 11, 2015, http://pu.edu.pk/home/department/10.

ite

29. Department of Library & Information Science and Archive Studies, University of Sindh,
Jamshoro, Pakistan, accessed September 7, 2015, http://lisas.edu.pk/introduction.php.
ed

30. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Balochistan, Quetta,

y

Pakistan, accessed September 12, 2015, http://www.uob.edu.pk/libraryscience/index.htm.

op

31. Munazza Jabeen, personal communication, October 7, 2015.

,c

32. Muhammad Fazil Khan, “Coordinated Planning for University Libraries in Pakistan,” PhD
ed

diss., Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, 1991.

33. Shamshad Ahmed, personal communication, September 11, 2015.
ew

34. Department of Library & Information Science, Sarhad University of Science & Information
vi

Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan, accessed September 25, 2015, http://www.suit.edu.pk/

re

librarydegreeprograms.php.
er

35. School of Library & Information Sciences, Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan, accessed
pe

September 1, 2015, http://www.mul.edu.pk/education/76/School-of-Library-&-

Information-Sciences.
s
.i

36. Fousia Bano, personal communication, September 12, 2015.

ss

37. Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

m

38. Haider and Mahmood, “MPhil and PhD Library and Information Science Research in
Pakistan.”
is

39. LIS Research, accessed July 28, 2015, http://www.lisresearch.com/index.php; Pak LIS
Th

Research, accessed August 12, 2015, http://www.paklisresearch.org/.

40. Pakistan Research Repository, September 8, 2015, http://eprints.hec.gov.pk/.