Research in Library Science: Its Need and its Promotion

Research is a means of continuously developing a discipline. It endows a discipline with the ability to utilise the knowledge generated in other disciplines, it makes use of Scientific Method, its method admits of being learnt, and it admits of being organised. Research in Library Science does not differ in the essentials of its objectives, methodology, and organisation from research in any other discipline. Efficiency in library service is dependent on discovering the changes in the value of each of the two parameters User and Subjects embodied in documents. Research helps to recognise and act on the changes in the value. Considers the role of the teacher and the steps that he may take in helping a student take the first steps in research. Research by the teacher and the provision of opportunity for intensive apprenticeship by an aspirant to research work are emphasised. The factors to be taken into consideration in the organisation of and in assigning priority to different kinds of research in library science in India, are briefly outlined.