Raipur, 27 January to 1 February 2025: Naya Raipur, 3 February. A Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Digital Library and Repository Management (DLRM) organised by the Central Library of Kalinga University in collaboration with IIIT Naya Raipur concluded on Saturday, 1 February. The programme was inaugurated on 27 January, 2025 During the FDP, the participants deeply understood the principles and practices of digital library and repository management, addressing key topics such as metadata standards, digital preservation, user engagement and integration of emerging technologies. Several eminent personalities from the field of library science participated in the programme through offline and online mode The FDP is an initiative designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, competencies of teachers, researchers and academic professionals. It aims to promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development, equipping the participants with the latest tools and methodologies in their respective fields. In the context of rapidly evolving educational technologies, the FDP focused on DLRM is particularly relevant. Digital libraries and repositories serve as critical resources in the academic landscape, providing access to a repository of information, research outputs, and educational materials. They facilitate the organization, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge, thereby supporting teaching, learning, and research activities. As institutions are increasingly transitioning to digital formats, the management of these resources becomes critical.
The inaugural session of the program took place in hybrid mode at the Seminar Hall of Kalinga University. After lighting of the lamp, Dr. Mohammad Nasir delivered the inaugural address, followed by the welcome address by Dr. Sandeep Gandhi, Registrar, Kalinga University. Guest of Honor, Professor Dr. Srinivas KG, Dean, IIIT Naya Raipur addressed the audience, and Professor Shailendra Kumar, Chairman, MSD-5 at Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi and Senior Professor, Department of Library & Information Science, University of Delhi delivered the keynote address. Chief Guest, Professor Dr. R. Sridhar, Vice Chancellor, Kalinga University concluded the inaugural session with a motivational speech. The technical sessions, which started after lunch, were held in the Board Room on the first day, Dr. Mohammad Nasir provided an overview of Koha with Ajit Kumar Roy, Librarian IIIT and Vikrant Kumar Roy Technical Head, Jeevshana Pvt. Ltd. serving as the resource person. The session was chaired by Smt. Sonalika Shukla, Librarian, Raj Bhawan Chhattisgarh, Dr. Rajesh Sharma as Co-Chairman The second day of the FDP on DLRM began with an engaging invited talk by Dr. Nabi Hasan, Librarian and Head of Library, IIT Delhi and a renowned expert in the field of Library and Information Science. The session was chaired by Dr. A.K. Sharma, University Librarian, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur. Dr. Hasan’s session focused on the transformational impact of emerging technologies on library services, emphasizing the need for libraries to adapt and innovate in the rapidly growing digital world.
The third day of the FDP on DLRM saw an insightful invited talk presented by Dr. Akhtar Parvez, University Librarian, Jamia Hamdard. An eminent expert in library automation and management systems. Dr. Parvez shared his extensive experience with data migration to KOHA, an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), focusing on the implementation processes at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) and Jamia Hamdard. Dr. Parvez began his session by underlining the importance of library automation for increasing operational efficiency and improving user services. He emphasized that transitioning to a modern library management system like KOHA can significantly streamline library processes, from cataloging and circulation to user management and reporting. Drawing inspiration from his experiences at MANUU and Jamia Hamdard, the session was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Asif Khan, whose expertise and engagement with Dr. Sangeeta Singh enriched the discussion, allowing participants to deeply understand the complexities of library automation and data migration. The fourth day of the FDP on DLRM featured an informative invited lecture by Dr. Mehtab Alam Ansari, Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University. Dr. Ansari’s presentation focused on the important topic of library automation, exploring various software solutions including CDS/ISIS, Koha and other emerging library automation tools. The session was chaired by Savita Mittal, Deputy Librarian at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, who facilitated. An engaging discussion ensued and participants were encouraged to share their experiences with various library automation tools.
The fifth and final day of the FDP featured an inspiring invited lecture by Dr. Appasaheb Naikal, Librarian, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode. Dr. Naikal’s presentation focused on the topics of library automation and development of digital libraries, with special emphasis on the successful implementation of library automation at the IIM Kozhikode Library. The session was chaired by Dr. Rajiv Vashisht, Deputy Librarian, Central University of Haryana, who facilitated a dynamic discussion among the participants. The Q&A section provided attendees with an opportunity to inquire about specific implementation strategies and share their own experiences with library automation and digital services.
The final day of the FDP on DLRM concluded with an informative lecture by Dr. J.K. Vijay Kumar, Professor, American University of Antigua. Dr. Kumar’s presentation focused on the topic of “Transforming Academic Research Libraries,” addressing the emerging role of libraries in supporting academic research and fostering innovation in higher education. Dr. Kumar began his talk by outlining the challenges faced by academic research libraries in the digital age, including the need to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, changing user expectations, and the growing demand for open access to information. He emphasized that libraries must serve not only as repositories of knowledge but also as active participants in the research process, providing the necessary resources and support to researchers and students.
The session was chaired by Dr. K.P. Singh, who facilitated a thought-provoking discussion and encouraged the participants to reflect on the insights shared by Dr. Kumar. The concluding session of the FDP on DLRM marked an important conclusion to a week filled with insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and professional development. The session was attended by esteemed guests, including Chief Guest, Scientist-E, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Chhattisgarh Region, Sumit Kumar, and Guest of Honour, Dr. S.K. Sengupta, a retired librarian from Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, currently working as a librarian at Ayush University, Chhattisgarh. Sumit Kumar delivered an inspiring speech that was well received by the audience, emphasizing the vital role of libraries in promoting knowledge and innovation. He highlighted the importance of adopting technological advancements and the need for library professionals to embrace change to meet the growing demands of users. Dr. S.K. Sengupta provided a comprehensive overview of the entire program, highlighting the key themes and discussions that took place throughout the week. Dr. Sandeep Gandhi, Registrar, Kalinga University, delivered the concluding address, emphasizing the importance of libraries as knowledge hubs and the vital role played by library professionals in supporting research, education, and community engagement. He encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the program to enhance their library services and continue their journey of professional development.
Finally, Dr. Mohammad Nasir, Librarian of the University and HOD Convener of the FDP, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and organizers for their contribution to the success of the program. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the FDP a fruitful experience for all involved. As the program concluded, the participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, equipped with valuable insights and practical knowledge to implement in their respective libraries. The FDP not only promoted professional development but also strengthened the network of library professionals committed to advancing the field of library and information science. By the end of the FDP, participants were equipped with the skills required to effectively manage digital libraries and repositories, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and enrichment of the academic community.
