The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 18, 2025
KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU), known for its dedication to academic excellence and innovative research, continues to underscore the pivotal role of libraries in education. Guided by the visionary leadership of its Founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the university has established a state-of-the-art Central Library along with 20 school libraries, all operational 24/7 to support the academic community. A committed team of 250 library staff members, including 12 PhD holders, ensures uninterrupted service throughout the year.
In 2024, KIIT achieved another milestone by launching the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Samanta. The department offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc.) program and a Ph.D. program, aimed at providing students and researchers with advanced expertise in library science. The M.Lib.I.Sc. curriculum, consisting of 82 credits, emphasizes sustainable library management and forward-thinking librarianship, with a mandatory internship in the final semester for practical experience.
The Ph.D. program offers scholars a platform to engage in impactful research with real-world and societal implications. The department is supported by a distinguished faculty, including guest professors from leading universities and specialists from KIIT’s Computer Engineering and Mathematics departments. The curriculum has received accolades from senior professors in India and internationally for its comprehensive approach.
KIIT DLIS has an impressive research portfolio, with its faculty publishing over 200 research papers in prestigious national and international journals, along with book chapters and conference proceedings. They have also authored or edited 25 books. The university publishes the KIIT Journal of Library and Information Management (KJLIM), a peer-reviewed scholarly journal indexed in notable databases like the Indian Citation Index, Google Scholar, CNKI Scholar, and EBSCO Discovery. Now in its 11th year, KJLIM remains a crucial platform for advancing research in Library and Information Science.
Since 2009, KIIT’s Central Library and DLIS have organized 20 international and national conferences, seminars, workshops, and training programs. These events offer participants valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the field and have significantly contributed to the academic dialogue in Library and Information Science.
Through its cutting-edge libraries, innovative academic programs, and robust research initiatives, KIIT continues to set new benchmarks in higher education and knowledge management, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and sustainable growth.
