Shillong, August 13: Celebrating National Librarian’s Day , Shillong College Central Library and Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the college organized an hour-long National Webinar on “Reinventing and Redefining Library Spaces in the Digital Era” on Thursday the 12th of August,2021.
This year the event marks the 129th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr.S.R.Ranganathan in whose honour the day is named. The focus of the talk was on re-thinking, re- inventing library spaces.
Dr.(Mrs.)Eva Kharkongor, Principal, Shillong College in her brief speech via google meet made a mention of advancements in technological innovations which has made possible access to libraries across the globe and how libraries need to work at tandem with the New Education Policy.
Dr.Vikram Kumar Sharma ,University Librarian, Assam University recipient of U.S. Department of State Sponsored “Foreign Service National Exchange Program” (FSNEP) at Foreign Service Institute, Washington D.C., 12 U.S. Government Service awardee including “Meritorious Honor Award” in 2010 for serving as Deputy Director for The American Library, New Delhi.
One with a professional experience of more than 27 years in the field of Library & Information Science Management including a prestigious stint with the U.S. Government.
The American Library New Delhi, with the experience of having worked with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Centre for Development of Telematics and Living Media India Private Ltd. was the Resource Person on the occasion.
In his 40 minute long brilliant, insightful and engaging presentation he stressed on the need for making library a dynamic, happening space. “Library could play a major role using technological advancements.
Libraries could be converted into social, cultural hub space in the campus. It is about turning the threat to an opportunity”, he said. Academic libraries are facing various challenges that need to be addressed for improving the services and worth, he elaborated.
He also highlighted on the key changes that needs to be made in the Library services and spaces which can contribute towards making these libraries remain relevant in the present digital era.
He gave an insight into the methods and platforms which could provide and engage the academic libraries in more meaningful ways with its clientele and its surroundings and convergence from mere places to spaces, which are social, dynamic, connected and collaborative in the backdrop of IT era.
