A SUCCINCT: Kaleidoscopic Voyage of Academic Excellence of Library and Information Science Department, University of Delhi

Description

Presenting the second edition of the book titled ‘A Succinct: Kaleidoscopic Voyage of Academic Excellence of Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi’ with new content and a new avatar is indeed a pleasure.

This miniature book is organized into five chapters, with Chapter 1, ‘Eighty Years of Pioneering Excellence: The DU Department of Library and Information Science (1946–2026)’, introduced in this edition with the aim of providing readers with a comprehensive overview of significant historical developments, milestones, appointments, and retirements of faculty members, as well as their achievements, awards, positions in professional bodies, membership and chairmanship in government bodies, syllabi revisions, examination reforms, academic programs, and celebrations of silver, golden, and platinum jubilee years. This chapter serves as an extension of the author’s research paper published in JLIS in 2018.

The chapters 2 to 4 are reproduced from the first edition with minimal modifications, whereas chapter 5 has undergone thorough revisions and restructuring. This chapter is particularly fascinating as it delves into the legacy, leadership, and learning of the department through a chronological sequence of photographs dating back to 1948. The inclusion of historic photographs, such as the special recognition bestowed upon Dr. SR Ranganathan by DU (Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa), alongside notable figures of the time, including Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru: First Prime Minister of India; Lord Mountbatten: Chancellor of the University of Delhi; Dr. Zakir Hussain: Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University; Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: First Education Minister of India; Sir Philip John Sargent: Education Advisor to the Government of India; and Ms. Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur: First Indian woman to serve as Union Minister of Health, Padma Shri Awardee, is a notable feature of this edition. The ceremony where Dr. SR Ranganathan was awarded the Padma Shri by Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1884–1963), the then President of India, on October 29, 1957, and the First Refresher Course by the Department of Library and Institute of Library Science are additional special features of this edition.

Furthermore, recent photographs of significant events, including the 72nd Annual Day Celebrations (2018), the inauguration of Dr. SR Ranganathan Seminar Hall (2019), Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (2021), the First Alumni Meet (2020), the dedication of the Tutorial Building Garden to Dr. SR Ranganathan (2021), the inauguration of Padma Shri Dr. SR Ranganathan Lecture-cum Open Library (2024), the inauguration of a state-of-the-art computer laboratory (2025), the inauguration of the renovated office of the Head of Department (2026), and special book launching ceremonies for works authored by Prof. KP Singh, are the latest additions to this publication.

This miniature book is a treasure trove of the Delhi University Department of Library and Information Science’s eight-decade journey, spanning from 1946 to 2026. It offers readers a concise overview of the department’s significant historical developments, milestones, and achievements and serve as a ‘Coffee Table Book’. The inclusion of historic photographs, notable events, and contributions of faculty members makes it a valuable resource for understanding the department’s evolution and impact.