Major in Library and Information Science, Library and Information Science Field: Three Policies for the Ph.D. in Library and Information Science [Ph.D. ( Library and Information Science)]

Based on the Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, the goal is to cultivate individuals who possess deep knowledge and skills in library and information science, as well as the will and ability to proactively solve social problems based on that foundation. In addition, the degree of Ph.D. in Library and Information Science [Ph.D. ( Library and Information Science)] is conferred upon students who fulfill the prescribed requirements of the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation on a research topic in the field of library and information science and, through the dissertation, to make an original contribution to research in that area.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues within one's field of research, possess comprehensive and deep academic knowledge, disseminate research findings internationally, and make a unique contribution to the field.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to gain deep insights into humanity, culture, and society from the perspective of information and knowledge, and the practical, advanced research capabilities and high-level literacy skills to identify and solve problems and issues in the field of library and information science.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying library and information science within society and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

The Major in Library and Information Science (Doctoral) of the Graduate School of Letters systematically organizes a curriculum centered on seminar courses to cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)." It establishes courses based on small-group presentations and discussions that can be taken throughout the entire period of enrollment in the Doctoral Programs. The requirements for completion are to earn 12 or more credits from these courses and to pass the doctoral dissertation defense.

Under this curriculum organization, education is conducted through a combination of the following methods.

(1) To enable students to write a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in their specialized field, students will take courses centered on those taught by their academic advisor. The academic advisor will also provide individual dissertation supervision to cultivate advanced research capabilities.

(2) To cultivate the advanced research capabilities necessary for students to become well-versed in the latest research trends and issues in their specialized field and to make a unique contribution, small-group seminar courses are offered throughout the entire period of enrollment in the Ph.D. program, and taking these courses is a requirement for completion. Specific guidance is also provided with the aim of having students present their research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals.

(3) Studying abroad through avenues such as the Graduate School of Letters and the Keio University International Center is encouraged. Additionally, the Graduate School of Letters supports students studying abroad through its own financial aid programs.

(4) To allow for more flexible course registration, particularly for students considering studying abroad, all courses are offered on a semester basis.

(5) To enable more specialized research in a student's field, a limited number of credits earned through formal study abroad at a graduate school overseas may be counted toward the completion requirements.

(6) To promote highly specialized research by students in the Ph.D. program, students may ask a distinguished researcher from overseas to serve as a co-advisor. They can then prepare their doctoral dissertation under the joint supervision of this co-advisor and their academic advisor, who is a faculty member of the Graduate School of Letters.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through this major's curriculum is conducted based on the principles of the assessment plan for the entire Juku. This process utilizes direct indicators based on the grading criteria for each course, as well as quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys. Specific examples include (1) course evaluations by students and (2) data on leaves of absence and withdrawals.

To obtain a doctoral degree, students must pass the qualifying examination for doctoral dissertation writing as determined by their major and field, and their dissertation must be submitted to and accepted by the Graduate School of Letters Committee. Subsequently, within one year, the dissertation is reviewed by a main examiner and sub-examiners approved by the Graduate School of Letters Committee. Based on the review report submitted to the committee, the student must pass by a vote of the Graduate School of Letters Committee members.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation on research in the field of library and information science and, through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the field.

→ Students will primarily take courses taught by their academic advisor from among subjects such as informatics, information media, information systems, or information retrieval. Within these classes, individual dissertation guidance will be provided to cultivate advanced research skills, problem-finding abilities, and sophisticated argumentation and expression skills.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues in one's field of study, possess comprehensive and deep academic knowledge, disseminate research findings internationally, and make a unique contribution to research in that field.

→ Small-group seminar courses will be offered to cultivate the literacy skills needed to understand the latest research trends and issues. Additionally, a portion of the individual guidance typically provided in a seminar format will be conducted jointly within the major to improve the abilities and skills for communicating one's own research findings to others. Furthermore, to enable students to experience activities in an international academic environment, credits earned through formal study abroad at overseas graduate schools will be recognized, up to a certain limit, as part of the graduation requirements.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to gain deep insights into humanity, culture, and society from the perspective of information and knowledge; to identify problems and issues in the field of library and information science and work toward their resolution; and to possess practical, high-level research capabilities and advanced literacy skills.

→ Active learning and PBL (Project-Based Learning) teaching formats will be actively incorporated into each course to cultivate the ability and attitude to tackle and resolve academic or social issues related to library and information science.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying library and information science within society and to achieve self-set goals and resolve social problems using appropriate methods.

→ Students will belong to a small-group seminar and receive individual guidance throughout their entire period of enrollment in the Doctoral Programs.

(1) Possess advanced specialized knowledge in their own research area and related fields.

(2) Be able to independently conceive and formulate a concrete and original research plan leading to a doctoral dissertation, based on their specialized research in a master's program.

(3) Have the analytical reading comprehension to accurately and critically read specialized literature in English, as well as academic writing skills.

(4) Have a proactive and concrete vision for their career after completing the Doctoral Programs as a researcher, educator, or practitioner.

To admit a wide range of such applicants, we will conduct (1) a written examination on specialized subjects, (2) a written examination on language, and (3) an individual interview. Selection will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of these three components.

(1) Written Examination (Specialized Subjects)

Applicants will be evaluated on whether they possess sufficient foundational knowledge of library and information science and specialized knowledge of their own research area and related fields.

(2) Written Examination (Language)

Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to correctly read and understand English texts explaining specialized content in library and information science.

(3) Interview

Applicants will be comprehensively evaluated on several points, including whether they have a concrete and original research plan leading to a doctoral dissertation, the will and ability to pursue it with enthusiasm, and a proactive vision for their career as a practitioner or researcher after completing the program.