Jamia Millia Islamia to Establish Department of Library and Information Science: First Major Expansion Since 1985
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is set to make a landmark advancement in its academic landscape with the establishment of a full-fledged Department of Library and Information Science. This decision follows the recent approval by the Union Ministry of Education of six permanent teaching positions dedicated to the discipline, marking the first significant expansion in this field at the university since 1985.
Until now, JMI had been offering the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B. Lib. I. Sc.) course without a permanent faculty, a situation that is about to change with this transformative step. According to Saima Saeed, JMI’s Chief Public Relations Officer, the new faculty appointments are expected to infuse fresh energy into this much sought-after program and significantly enhance its quality and reach.
Strengthening the Core of Academic Research
Vice Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif emphasized the pivotal role libraries play on academic campuses, calling them “cornerstones of academic life.” He highlighted that libraries are central to shaping research trajectories and advancing knowledge, especially in today’s information-driven era. Professor Asif’s vision is to expand teaching in librarianship and information science through the newly formed department, training the next generation of skilled librarians and information professionals.
He also pointed out the department’s role in advancing the study of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), focusing on their digitisation and preservation for future generations. This initiative aligns with broader national objectives to safeguard and propagate India’s rich intellectual heritage using modern technologies.
Institutional and Governmental Support
The Vice Chancellor, along with Registrar Professor Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Education Minister, the Ministry of Finance, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for their unwavering support in approving JMI’s proposal.
This strong institutional and governmental backing has been crucial in making the expansion a reality. The leaders acknowledged that this development would not only broaden JMI’s academic offerings but also represent a milestone in promoting the vital and ever-growing discipline of library sciences.
A Boost to JMI’s Historic Legacy
The university’s Public Relations Officer highlighted the significance of this step for JMI, a university with over a century of history. JMI’s Central Library was founded in 1920, the very year the university was established. The creation of the Department of Library and Information Science is poised to give a significant boost to this historic institution, enhancing its capacity to educate and empower future leaders in the field.
Professor Asif and Professor Rizvi congratulated the entire JMI community on this important expansion, recognizing the positive impact it will have on teaching and skill dissemination in library and information sciences.
Conclusion
Jamia Millia Islamia’s move to set up a dedicated Department of Library and Information Science marks a historic and strategic advancement for the university and the discipline in India. With permanent faculty positions and a clear vision to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems with modern digitisation efforts, the department is set to become a vital hub for education, research, and preservation of knowledge in the information age. This development reaffirms JMI’s commitment to academic excellence and positions it as a leader in library sciences for decades to come.
