![important](/study/2022-2023/files/study.2022-2023/exclamation-point-small.png)
Note: This is the 2023–2024 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Note: This is the 2023–2024 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity to study interdisciplinary research topics within the field of library and information studies at the doctoral level. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of the four research areas within information studies: a) information-seeking behaviour; b) human-computer interaction; c) information resources in context; d) knowledge management and representation, as well as an awareness of the inter-relatedness of these areas. Students begin with a set of common core courses and proceed to specialization through advanced coursework and dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members.
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Note: INFS 701 is normally taken in the second year.
INFS : Defence of a comprehensive research proposal.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Bartlett, Joan; Fung, Benjamin (Fall)
Not open to students who have taken GLIS 701.
INFS : Examination of students' own specific areas of doctoral research within the broader field of information studies and comparisons of those areas with other traditions of inquiry. Theoretical models and research methodologies as applied in information studies.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Bouthillier, France (Fall)
Not open to students who have taken GLIS 702.
INFS : Philisophical foundations of research in information studies, including traditions, approaches, methods, and models of inquiry to provide the capacity to critically assess the value of qualitative and quantitative research methods in relation to specific research problems identified in the discipline.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Bouthillier, France (Fall)
Not open to students who have taken GLIS 703.
INFS : Research project design and its application to the specific dissertation proposal through the exploration of ways to operationalize key concepts in information studies and to identify critical steps in data collection and analysis.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Brilmyer, Gracen (Winter)
Not open to students who have taken GLIS 704.
Students may also be required to take additional courses to prepare them for their research.