The Theses and Dissertations Deposited in Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology Library: a Bibliographical Analysis.

Abstract

The collection of theses and dissertations deposited in the library of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya plays a significant role in the field of archaeology and sub-disciplines. The collection that consists of 150 theses and dissertations is immensely popular among library users. However, no serious attempt has so far been made to analysis the collection in a specific order, therefore, its varied and non-orderly appearance makes hard to find research subject, person(s) responsible for supervision and what type(s) of postgraduate degree(s) have been awarded for the research study etc., at a glance. 50 theses and dissertations (9 PhD theses,19 MPhil theses and 22 MA dissertations) taken as a sample at the first stage to be analyzed with the following bibliographic specifications: subject of the research, period of study, affiliated organizations, supervision, medium of instruction, extent and references. According to the analysis, the first MA dissertation submission has taken place in 1992 by Raj Somadeva who is now a Senior Professor of Archaeology. Prishantha Gunawardhana submitted the first MPhil thesis in 1995 beingtoday a Professor of archaeology. Mr.Senarath Dissanayake, former Director General of Archaeology and Prishantha Gunawardhana submitted the first two PhD theses in 2003. It is noted that Prof. Senake Bandaranayke has been the highly commended supervisor for the period from 1992 to 2013.Historical archaeology, architecture and art history have gained popularity from the subjective point of view. Most of the research have been carried out in Sinhala. Regarding the extent and references, PhD theses take precedence. The analysis suggests to expand the areas of research, to follow systematic referencing and scientific writing, to include the abstract in English in the theses and dissertations written other than English and to publish the theses and dissertations by the PGIAR.