Three day international Conference on Sustainable Librarianship at Parul University

Paves Way for Libraries to Move from old practices to new
sustainable systems

The ever
changing trends in global technology is creating a rising demand for libraries
to move towards more innovation based sustainable solutions from ancient
practises. It is for downscaling the adverse environmental impacts.

This was the
underlying focus behind the recently held International Conference on
“Sustainable Librarianship: Reengineering and Reimagining Libraries,” organised
at Parul University’s Vadodara campus.

Commencing from the 19th of December, till the 21st of the month, the 3 day conference will be covering in depth, the distinct elements relating to digital library spaces towards futuristic developments. This gathering of minds was made possible through the joint efforts of the Faculty of Library Sciences and the University’s Central Library, in conjunction with Management Libraries Network, (MANLIBNET).

As a Chief
Guest, the conference was graced by the presence of Her Highness Rajmata
Shubhanginidevi Gaikwad, the Chancellor of M.S.University of Baroda. Being an
instrumental personality in the pioneering of eminent educational institutions
throughout the city of Vadodara and the State of Gujarat, Her Highness’
presence was highly enlightening for the delegates and the University students.

In her
inaugural remarks she shared with the participating students, librarians and
academicians about her journey from the time she initiated the very first
mobile library on a donkey which today have now immensely developed. She also
went on to narrate the pivotal role played by the Gaekwad family, in
conceptualising educational facilities from the British systems.

Dr.
Roshanlal Raina, the Vice Chancellor, of J.K.Lakshmipat University, Jaipur also
attended the conference as a Guest of Honour. During his commencement remarks,
Dr Roshanlal, highlighted the significance of blending research and technology
with education as a way of enhancing and widening the scope of libraries.

While
sharing his insightful words, he also went on to appreciate Parul University
for their efforts in organising a conference of such a great magnitude which he
termed a need of the hour.

A total of
150 librarians from distinct libraries of National and International repute,
will be taking part in this conference. These professionals and academicians
during the remaining two days will be presenting research papers on various
subjects relating to the establishment of future of sustainable libraries.

In addition
to the conference proceedings, Dr. Akhtar Parvez, General Secretary, of
Management Libraries Network gave a brief outline regarding the services
rendered by MANLIBNET. He went on to announce two prominent awards the
MANLIBNET Best Librarian Award which was conferred upon Dr. Tariq Ashraf,
Librarian and Head, Department of Library and Information Sciences, from Jamia
Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

Along with
the MANLIBNET Innovative Librarian Award which was felicitated on Dr. Meeta
Rathod, Librarian, BRCM college Of Business Administration, Surat.

Complementary to this conference, various exhibition stands were also put together throughout the Parul University campus. The exhibitors include EBSCO, Rapid Radio Solutions, Emerald Publishing, amongst others. These publishing, library technology and online resource companies will be showcasing all their services which are inline with the need to promote the sustainable libraries agenda.

“This paradigm shift calls for re-engineering and reimagining the concept of libraries which can only be achieved by implementing ICT in the functioning of libraries and inculcation of varied skills by librarians,” said Dr Dhaval Bhatt, the University’s Chief Librarian and Dean of the Faculty of Library Sciences.

During the valedictory ceremony of the international conference, Seema Mohile, MLA of Akota, Vadodara will be gracing the function as the Guest of Honour