Libraries more than just custodians of books: KU VC

Srinagar, Sep 10: To explore the transformative role of libraries in encouraging societal development and providing a platform for exploring how libraries can leverage new technologies to drive societal progress and community development, the University of Kashmir (KU) Tuesday inaugurated a two-day national seminar here.

Titled ‘Enriching Communities: The Role of Emerging Technologies & Techniques in Libraries Towards Societal Advancement & Upliftment’, the event is being organised by the varsity’s Department of Library and Information Science in collaboration with the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Ministry of Culture.

On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the pivotal role of libraries as “more than just custodians of books” and said that public libraries, in particular, play a critical role in community development.

“Libraries today are evolving into dynamic hubs of innovation and knowledge-sharing and emerging technologies like AI, IoT and chatbots are revolutionising how we interact with information,” she said.

She underscored the importance of higher education institutions (HEIs) in enhancing the role of libraries that are providing not only access to knowledge but also encouraging digital literacy, bridging gaps and offering support to underprivileged sections of society.

KU Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal, highlighted the growing job prospects in the field of Library and Information Science and stressed the need to equip library professionals with the skills to manage digital repositories.

Dean, School of Social Sciences and Head, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Jammu, Prof Sangita Gupta, said: “Libraries are now at the forefront of societal upliftment. Whether it is through research data management, digital preservation or providing community access to technology-driven devices, libraries are becoming centres of innovation.”