Page 179 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes 13.9 Relevance of Research

In a developing country like India, there could not be a dearth of research problems to be
investigated. But there seems a lack of perception to visualise and identify valid problems for
research. A cursory glance of the topics worked on will at once reveal that the topics chosen
do not have a problem or hypothesis but merely survey the state of the art or the existing
conditions. The popular areas for research have been, in order of popularity: university libraries,
bibliometrics, library use and user studies, information seeking behaviour, information systems,
classification and indexing, special libraries, library history, reference service and sources, and
library science education.
Document selection and procurement, cataloguing, and experimental designs in library management
are the least popular topics – though these seem practical and relevant to present day needs.
That basic research is the most neglected area is endorsed by other surveys of doctoral research.
(Lahiri 1996; Varalakshmi 1994). Library automation, library software, networking and information
technology are just emerging. There is need to revive research in classification especially in
context of OPACs, information networks and the electronic information environment in general.
The Curriculum Development Committee (CDC) on Library and Information Science (1992) of
the University Grants Commission rehashed the importance of research, though it did not
dwell at length on this aspect in its report. The blue document listed some areas for research,
which are no less broad than the current courses being taught at the Master’s level (UGC
1992).
• Structure and development of knowledge
• Classification, cataloguing and indexing

• Infometric studies
• Computer applications
• Historical studies

• Social and economic aspects of librarianship
• Library and Information management and systems analysis

• Applications of techniques of library and information science to evaluate other disciplines.
The list could have been more specific. Though not much revered, the report rightly lays
emphasis on standards in research. It uncompromisingly asks for a clear declaration from
Ph.D. candidates that the “work is based on the discovery of new facts by the candidate or the
new relations of facts ... and how the work tends to the general advancement of knowledge”
(UGC 1992, 107). While it is normally expected of every completed piece of research, yet it
rarely happens. The evaluation process, however formal, is easily manipulated without qualms.
Examiners are obliging on a reciprocal basis. In a small profession like ours this interplay of
mutual usability comes in easily. It is often said jocularly (but understood seriously) that the
degree is recommended more for the supervisor than for the candidate. And above all, we
must admit that the library profession has failed to lure the best brains and even more to
retain them. Mediocrity thrives; hypocrisy reigns. But this is not to overlook the genuine
research and researchers.

Apart from not so relevant topics, theses have contributed little towards pushing the frontiers
of knowledge; few are models of methodology. Indian library research seems to have no
moorings in the prevailing realities. Topics are ideal, superficial and bookish. Even experienced
librarians keen on earning the Ph.D. degree rarely come with an important problem for research.

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