Library History in India: Historiographical Assessment and Current Trends

Authors

  • Mohamed Taher American Studies Research Center
  • Donald G. Davis, Jr. University of Texas

Abstract

Examines the status of research and publication in the field of Indian library history. Only about a dozen scholars are identified as library historians, but a number of younger librarians are expected to continue their work. There is little published research, and little attention to library history in the library school curricula. It is suggested that a revival of interest in library history would be useful as the profession endeavors to solve contemporary problems, by offering insight into alternative courses of action.

Author Biographies

Mohamed Taher, American Studies Research Center

Mohamed Taher is Deputy Librarian, American Studies Research Center, Hyderabad, India. He has two master’s degrees from Mysore University, and a Ph.D. from Calicut University. In 1990–91 he was a Fulbright Exchange Visitor at the Rutgers University library school. Dr. Taher has written extensively on Indian libraries, including a forthcoming monograph History of Libraries in India. His articles have appeared in numerous professional journals.

Donald G. Davis, Jr., University of Texas

Donald G. Davis, Jr. is a Professor of Library and Information Science at the University of Texas, Austin, and Editor of Libraries and Culture. He has master’s degrees in history and library science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Dr. Davis has also taught in the Department of Librarianship, Birmingham Polytechnic. He has published five monographs, about 80 articles, and about 200 book reviews. His newest work is the Encyclopedia of Library History, co–edited with Wayne A. Wiegand (September 1993).

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Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (1993)

Section

Articles

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