Core Courses of Master’s Programme in Library and Information Science of SAARC Countries

a curriculum study

Abstract

The present study focuses on the analysis of the curriculum of Library and Information Science (LIS) education at the postgraduate level in SAARC countries. SAARC, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, is an
international organisation dedicated to regional cooperation in South Asia. The study investigates in detail the master degree programmes in Library Science education offered by the oldest universities in each SAARC nation. The findings have revealed that only five countries are providing education in the field of LIS at the master level. The selected universities for this study are Tribhuvan University, University of Delhi, University of Dhaka, University of Kelaniya, and University of Karachi, representing the five countries offering masters in LIS. The analysis of the curriculum has highlighted several common core courses taught across these universities, including library classification, management of library & information science, information services and sources, library cataloguing, research methodology, and thesis preparation. This study provides valuable insights into the current
state of LIS education in SAARC countries and serves as a foundation for future research and curriculum development in the field.