Department of Political Science

Political Science Departmental Library was started along with the establishment of Madhabdev College in 1964. Later on the Library was reconstituted in the memory of Rana Prasad Deori, the main pioneer of Deori Autonomous Council and renamed as Rana Prasad Deori Political Science Departmental Library (RPDPSDL). This library aims to function as a specialized knowledge hub dedicated to the study, research, and dissemination of political science and allied disciplines. Named in the honor of Rana Prasad Deori symbolizing intellectual commitment and regional academic identity the library seeks to bridge the gap between conventional classroom learning and advanced research practices. At present we have 510 books in the departmental library. In an era of rapidly expanding knowledge systems, a departmental library is not merely a repository of books but a dynamic center for critical inquiry, interdisciplinary dialogue, and scholarly engagement. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of strengthening academic infrastructure and promoting research excellence within the university.

The need for a dedicated departmental library arises from several academic and practical considerations:
• Specialized Resource Requirement: Political science is a vast discipline encompassing political theory & thought, Indian Politics, public administration, international relations, comparative politics, and public policy. A central university library often cannot cater to the depth and specificity required for advanced study.
• Research-Oriented Learning: Postgraduate and research scholars require access to journals, rare books, policy documents, and archival materials that are discipline-specific.
• Regional Knowledge Gap: There is a lack of curated material on Northeast Indian politics, especially Assam-specific socio-political movements, ethnic identities, and governance issues. This library will address that gap.
• Encouraging Academic Culture: A departmental library fosters a reading culture, encourages peer discussion, and promotes independent thinking among students.
• Promoting digital academic awareness: The library has taken initiatives to make students digitally aware about how to investigate academic information for their uses.

The primary objectives of the Rana Prasad Deuri Political Science Departmental Library are:
1. To provide comprehensive academic resources in political science and related fields.
2. To support teaching, learning, and research activities within the department.
3. To develop a specialized collection on Northeast Indian politics and society.
4. To promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
5. To facilitate access to digital resources, journals, and e-learning platforms.
6. To nurture critical thinking, debate, and intellectual engagement among students.
Hence, it shall mainly it will focus on-
a) Collection Development
The library will house a diverse collection including:
• Core textbooks on political science
• Reference books (dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks)
• National and international journals
• Government reports and policy documents
• Books on Assam and Northeast politics
• Biographies of political leaders
• Rare and archival materials
b) Digital Resources
To keep pace with modern academic needs, the library will include:
• Access to e-journals and databases (e.g., JSTOR, EPW)
• Digital repository of dissertations and research papers
• Online catalog system (OPAC)
• Wi-Fi enabled reading space
c) Reading and Research Space
A quiet and well-equipped reading environment will be created with:
• Individual study desks
• Group discussion areas
• Seminar and presentation corner
d) Archival Section
A unique feature will be the creation of a Northeast Political Archive, containing:
• Documents on Assam Movement
• Records of student movements
• Local governance reports
• Oral history collections