Bharathidasan University, one of the premier institutions of higher learning, has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, learning, and research, earning its reputation as a top-ranked university. With a strong commitment to academic rigour, the university attracts talented students and faculty from across the globe. The university's teaching methodology is student-centric, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Research initiatives at Bharathidasan University are cutting-edge, addressing societal challenges and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The university's ranking in various national and international indices, from NAAC with an A+ Grade, 36th Rank among universities in NIRF and 8th Rank in the Education World Ranking testifies to its resolute dedication to promoting quality education and academic excellence. The university is affiliated with 150 phase higher education institutions and provides academic excellence in online and on-site modes for the convenience of students. The university has more than 11,000 publications indexed in Scopus with an h-index of 138. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment with a motto of (We will Create a Brave New World), Bharathidasan University empowers students to become future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
The established University Library has become a full-time teaching and research department from the academic year 2007-2008, offering an integrated MLIS (2 years) Academic Programme, PGDKLM, and full-time and part-time research programmes (PhD). The programs offered by the Department are well aligned with industry needs and offer a curriculum that is up to date. These degree programmes provide a solid foundation in core and emerging areas of Library and Information Science and train students to become independent researchers. The Department has highly qualified and well-versed faculty in current areas of LIS and Information Technology with working experience in reputed institutions, including National Institutes of Importance. The Department of Library and Information Science has contributed to the successful outcome of 18 batches of students, including a few from abroad, 60 Ph.D research scholars, more than 100 M.Phil scholars, and 40 UGC NET and SET students from the Department. The faculty conducts research and extension activities by awarding seven research projects, funded by UGC, MHRD, INFLIBNET, ICSSR, and ICMR, totalling more than one crore rupees. Instituted the IALA Gold Medal from the year 2010 for the topper. Organised sponsored International Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, and Symposia with the financial assistance of UGC, DST, ICSSR, INFLIBNET, RUSA, Springer, and the Government of Tamil Nadu in the subject domain, including eight UGC HRDC refresher courses.
The University Library has a collection of more than one lakh volumes with 5000 regular users and 26 library staff members serving the academic community of affiliated colleges, other institutions in the region and the general public. Access to the library resources and facilities on both campuses has been provided. 204 current periodicals are being subscribed to both nationally and internationally as print cum online editions to cover a wide range of subjects, to facilitate users to access current academic and research literature. In addition, 10000 e-journals in full text and more than 14000 e-books can be accessed campus-wide and on remote to enhance the quality of teaching and research activities. The University library has new and value-added facilities such as a Digital Library, RFID Remote Access, Institutional Repository, IRINS, similarity check with Turnitin, Learning Management System, Shodhganga ETD, Children’s Corner, Heritage Documentation, and a Library Garden with reading and Wi-Fi facilities.
Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science (IATLIS) to promote the cause of quality Higher Education in the field of Library and Information Science and allied subjects, and to promote various library and information professional activities across the country and even abroad by continuously organising various academic programs, training sessions and workshops on emerging technology of LIS and allied subjects.
IATLIS was founded on 19th December 1969 and its objectives is to promote the exchange of ideas on education in library and information science, to promote research in education in library and information science, to promote the publication of books and periodicals on education in library and information science, to hold conferences, seminars, and colloquium for the development and propagation of ideas on education in library and information science, to give consultation service on education in library and information science, to promote training of the teachers of library and information science in India, and to promote the welfare of teachers of library and information science in India.
IATLIS is a strong and vibrant professional association of LIS teachers that has more than 575 members. Since December 2008, more than 150 LIS teachers and professionals from India and abroad, such as Nigeria, the Republic of China, and the USA, have become members of this professional body.