Introduction

The Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS) is dedicated to preparing graduates who possess the knowledge, technical expertise, leadership qualities, and ethical values required to manage information resources effectively in a modern digital and knowledge-based society. Through excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, the DLIS continues to advance the library and information profession in Pakistan. The DLIS has played a pioneering role in producing highly qualified library and information professionals who have made significant contributions to academia, research, government organizations, public and special libraries, archives, museums, and the corporate sector both nationally and internationally. It has consistently adapted to the changing information landscape by integrating emerging technologies, innovative teaching practices, and research-driven learning into its academic programs.

Mission

The DLIS aims to develop competent, ethical, and innovative information professionals with the intellectual, technological, and leadership skills to manage, organize, preserve, and disseminate information in diverse and dynamic environments. Through a student-centred learning environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarly inquiry, and meaningful engagement with professional communities, the DLIS strives to promote lifelong learning, contribute to national development, and enhance equitable access to information for the benefit of society.

Vision

To be a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in Library and Information Science education, research, and innovation, committed to advancing knowledge, fostering intellectual leadership, and preparing competent information professionals who contribute to the development of an inclusive, knowledge-driven, and digitally empowered society.

Core Values

The DLISt is guided by a shared commitment to the following core values:

1. Academic Excellence- We uphold the highest standards of teaching, learning, research, and professional practice, fostering a culture of intellectual rigour, innovation, and continuous improvement.
2. Integrity and Ethical Conduct- We promote honesty, transparency, accountability, and respect for intellectual property while adhering to the highest standards of professional and academic ethics.
3. Innovation and Creativity- We embrace emerging technologies, encourage creative thinking, and continuously adapt to the evolving information landscape to address contemporary challenges and opportunities.
4. Research and Scholarship- We foster a vibrant research culture that advances knowledge, encourages critical inquiry, and contributes to evidence-based practice in Library and Information Science.
5. Professional Leadership- We prepare graduates to become visionary leaders who demonstrate professional competence, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellence in the information profession.
6. Collaboration and Engagement- We value collaboration with academic institutions, libraries, professional organizations, industry partners, and local and global communities to strengthen education, research, and professional practice.
7. Inclusivity and Diversity- We cultivate an inclusive academic environment that respects diversity, promotes equity, and provides equal opportunities for learning, research, and professional growth.
8. Service to Society- We recognize the transformative role of information in social, educational, and economic development and are committed to promoting equitable access to knowledge, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
9. Lifelong Learning- We inspire intellectual curiosity, continuous professional development, and a commitment to learning that enables graduates to thrive in an ever-changing global information environment.

Our History

The Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), University of Peshawar, has a distinguished legacy spanning more than six decades. Established in 1962, it is one of the pioneering institutions for Library and Information Science education in Pakistan and the first of its kind in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Department was initially founded within the Central Library of the University of Peshawar, where it commenced its academic journey by offering a Postgraduate Diploma in Library Science. This landmark initiative represented a significant milestone in the professionalization of librarianship and laid the foundation for the systematic development of library and information services in the region. Recognizing the growing need for professionally qualified information specialists, the Department steadily expanded its academic portfolio. During the 1983–1984 academic session, it introduced the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, marking a new phase in its academic development. The program was designed to provide advanced professional education and to prepare graduates capable of addressing the increasingly complex information needs of educational, governmental, research, and specialized institutions. In keeping with national higher education reforms and the global transformation of the information profession, the Department further strengthened its academic offerings by launching the BS in Library and Information Science during the 2020-2021 academic session. The introduction of the four-year BS program reflected the DLIS commitment to aligning its curriculum with contemporary international standards and equipping students with the knowledge, technological competencies, and professional skills required in the digital information age. To promote advanced scholarship and research excellence, the Department also inaugurated the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Library and Information Science in 2020. The program has significantly enhanced the DLIS research capacity by fostering scholarly inquiry, critical thinking, and innovation, while preparing graduates for leadership roles in academia, research, and the information profession. Today, the Department of Library and Information Science stands as a center of academic excellence, recognized for its enduring commitment to quality education, impactful research, and professional service. Building upon its rich heritage while embracing emerging technologies and global best practices, the DLIS continues to educate competent, ethical, and visionary information professionals who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the knowledge society at national and international levels.