Silchar, July 17: Central Library, NIT Silchar has entered into a collaborative MOU with University Library & Mortenson Centre for International Library Programme of University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA to create world class LIS facilities at NIT Silchar.
The MOU was signed by Prof. N. V. Deshpande, Director and Dr. Kishor Chandra Satpathy, Librarian on behalf of NIT Silchar and by Paula Kaufman, Interim Director; Susan Schnuer, Associate Director of Mortenson Centre for International Library Programs; and Walter K. Knorr, Comptroller on behalf of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on 6th June 2014.
The main purpose of this MOU is to facilitate the creation of a world-class, innovative, inviting and flexible library system to enhance campus learning, support research, and provide community outreach and service at NIT Silchar, through consultation and collaboration with the University Library of University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA. The PLANNED COLLABORATIONS of the MOU are:
Specific activities and programs envisioned as part of the ongoing collaboration between the libraries include:
a. Development of a technology road map for the new library at NIT–Silchar.
b. Assistance in planning library facilities that support research, services, and studying.
c. Professional development for staff.
d. Exploration of possible exchanges of academic staff.
e. Assistance in collection development.
f. Support in the development of a community outreach program.
g. Other areas of collaboration identified during the initial assessment visit.
h. Joint library projects involving research or training.
i. Consultation on the design of an online Digital Library course.
Prof. N V Deshpande, Director, NITS stated that “This MoU is a key milestone in our mission to develop a world class Library Information Facility at NIT Silchar. As we have invested Rs. 44 core for constructing a new State of the Art Library Building with 80000 sq.ft. carpet area, the joint consultation will help us in developing new service model for the new library”.
Under the MOU, the first joint workshop on “Changing Information Technologies: Current and Future Transformations” will be held on 2nd week of Jan 2015 at NIT Silchar. The resource persons from the University of Illinois who will also attend the workshop are Paula Kaufman, Interim Director; Susan Schnuer, Associate Director of Mortenson Centre for International Library Programs and William H. Mischo, Engineering Librarian & Professor of Library Administration of Grainger Engineering Library Information Centre.(SP News)
