The University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organized a two-day national seminar titled “Enriching Communities: The Role of Emerging Technologies and Techniques in Libraries Towards Societal Advancement and Upliftment.” Held by the Department of Library and Information Science Under the leadership of Head of Department Professor Sumeer Gul, the seminar brought together professionals, academics, and technologists committed to exploring the role of libraries in societal development through the use of cutting-edge technologies.
The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Nilofer Khan, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, who delivered the Presidential Address. The inaugural session began with a welcome speech by Prof. Sumeer Gul, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Kashmir. The session featured special guest Prof. Preeti Mahajan from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Prof. Sangita Gupta, Dean of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Jammu, who served as the Guest of Honour.
In a significant moment of the event, two books were released: Impact of Migration on Psycho-Social and Economic Well-being of Elderly Pandit Migrants and Youth Entrepreneurship and Education in Conflict Areas. The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Zahid Ashraf Wani, Associate Professor at DLIS, University of Kashmir, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rosy Jan, Senior Assistant Professor, DLIS, University of Kashmir.
Seminar Leadership and Coordination: The seminar was organized under the patronage of Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, with Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar of the University, serving as Patron. Prof. Sumeer Gul led the seminar as Conference Director, while Prof. Shabir Ahmad Ganaie and Dr. Zahid Ashraf Wani acted as Conference Coordinators. Mr. Naiem Usmani was in charge of logistics for the event.
Keynote Speakers and Invited Talks: The seminar featured a series of keynote addresses and invited talks on cutting-edge issues in library science. Dr. Raj Kumar Bhardwaj, Librarian at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, delivered a talk on Research Data Management (RDM).
The technical sessions were spread across two venues, the Media Auditorium and the Library DLIS, and covered diverse topics, from the role of artificial intelligence in libraries to information literacy in the age of AI. Scholars from institutions such as Maulana Azad Library, AMU, Panjab University, and others presented their research on themes including the use of remote access services post-pandemic, the impact of predatory journals on scholarly communication, and the effectiveness of online resources in academic libraries.
The first day featured technical sessions chaired by Prof. Farzana Gulzar, Prof. Subarna Kumar Das, Prof. Madhusudhan Margam, and Prof. Sudharma Haridasan. Topics ranged from information-sharing behaviors among postgraduate students to the application of machine learning in disaster management.
On the second day, discussions explored the impact of artificial intelligence on library services, with presentations on AI’s role in academic research, information literacy, and the integration of emerging technologies in libraries. The seminar’s final technical sessions were chaired by Prof. K.L Mahawar and Prof. Mushtaq Siddiqui, alongside other distinguished professors from various institutions.
Event Highlights: The seminar emphasized the transformative role that emerging technologies and new techniques play in advancing societal development through libraries. Sessions examined how libraries can serve as catalysts for social change and community empowerment, aligning with national goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
VC also reflected on her earlier meeting with Dr. Jagdish Kumar, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who had underscored the critical need for the digitalization of libraries across educational institutions. “Digitalization is no longer optional; it’s a necessity,” the Vice-Chancellor remarked. She emphasized that upgrading libraries is essential to reaching students who cannot physically access them, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can tap into the wealth of knowledge libraries offer.
Libraries: The Heart of Knowledge and Community Engagement
Reflecting on her own experiences as a research scholar, the Vice-Chancellor recalled the struggles of manually sifting through physical papers, highlighting how technological advancements have revolutionized the research process. “Today, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are making learning more accessible and efficient,” she noted.
Libraries, whether academic or public, play a pivotal role as information hubs, fostering intellectual growth and community engagement. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that libraries should cater to all sections of society, from children to senior citizens, providing tailored resources like illustrated books for children or accessible materials for those with disabilities.
Empowering Communities Through Libraries
The seminar also addressed the role of libraries in empowering marginalized communities. Whether providing farmers with access to information on the latest agricultural techniques or offering women resources tailored to their needs, libraries have the potential to uplift society as a whole. “Libraries can and should be agents of social change,” said the Vice-Chancellor. By providing relevant information and fostering critical thinking, libraries contribute to making societies more socially, economically, and politically aware.
Digital Libraries: The New Frontier
The event placed a strong emphasis on the role of digital libraries in today’s tech-driven world. Libraries have evolved from being mere repositories of physical books to becoming digital and virtual spaces offering a vast array of e-books, e-journals, databases, and online services. The shift from standalone libraries to networked ones was another critical point of discussion, emphasizing the importance of serving tech-savvy users who demand instant access to information.
One of the major discussions during the seminar revolved around the use of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in libraries. These technologies have transformed traditional libraries into vibrant digital hubs that cater to modern learners and researchers.
The COVID-19 pandemic only reinforced the importance of digitalization, as libraries across the world transitioned to offering online services, ensuring that learning continued unabated. The seminar highlighted how emerging technologies not only make information more accessible but also offer opportunities for community engagement and lifelong learning.
Libraries: Building a Better Society
One key message that resonated throughout the seminar was the role of libraries as “community hubs.” Libraries not only connect individuals with information but also bring people together across different generations. “Libraries have always served the community, but today, they are doing so in ways we could not have imagined,” said a senior academic.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor expressed his pride in the University of Kashmir’s Alama Iqbal Library, which has undergone extensive digital transformation. She credited the former librarians and current staff for their relentless efforts in integrating technology to enhance the library’s role as a knowledge center.
The two-day seminar concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—academics, librarians, and policymakers—to embrace the transformative power of technology in libraries. As societies continue to evolve, so must libraries, which are not just centers of knowledge but also key players in societal upliftment. The seminar underscored the critical need for continuous innovation in libraries to ensure they remain relevant and accessible to all sections of society.
