Odisha Library Academy celebrated 8th Annual Day and Librarian’s Day

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Bhubaneswar, 17/8/2023 ( Odisha Samachar ) -The Odisha Library Academy, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the Central Library, IIT Bhubaneswar organised a Seminar on Beyond Books: Libraries in the AI Era – Redefining Roles and Services & Librarians’ Day Celebration at IIT, Bhubaneswar, Argul campus on 13th August 2023 (Sunday). The seminar aimed to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on libraries and their evolving roles in the digital age. The event also marked the celebration of Librarians’ Day, an occasion to honor the legacy of Padma ShriDr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science in India, and recognize the valuable contributions of librarians.

A significant moment of the inauguration involved the lighting of the lamp to symbolize the illumination of knowledge that libraries represent. Additionally, a floral tribute was paid to commemorate the 131st Birth Anniversary of Padma ShriDr. S. R. Ranganathan, recognizing his pioneering contributions to the field of Library Science.Prof. SreepadKarmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, the Chief Guest, reflected on the role of libraries in an AI-driven society. He emphasized on the reading skills of the readers.He also gave the correlation between the reading habits and the innovations. Hence the librarians should promote reading habits, he added. Guest of honour Prof. Puspanjali Jena,retd. Prof and HOD, Utkal University,mentioned the roles of different categories of librarians working in academic, public and research/scientific libraries.  She also stressed on the reading habit of the users.She emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancements and the preservation of traditional library values, such as fostering a sense of community and promoting equitable access to information. Earlier Dr.BibhutiBhusanSahoo,Deputy Librarian, IIT Bhubaneswar & Organising Secretary, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of the seminar’s theme in the current era of technological advancements. He underlined the role of libraries as information hubs and stressed the need for them to adapt to the changing information landscape brought about by AI.Dr.BanamberSahoo, the President of the Odisha Library Academy (OLA), highlighted the role and activities of Odisha Library Academy and highlighted the contribution of Dr. S.R.Ranganathan and he stressed the need for librarians to upskill and embrace new technologies.Dr.SoobhankarPatiPati Chairperson, Central Library, IIT Bhubaneswar delved into the ways in which librariesare transforming. He gave the concept of open library for children of local schools. Four Library professionals were felicitated on this occasion by Odisha Library Academy for their exceptional contributions to the field of Library Science.  They were Dr. D.B. Ramesh, Chief Librarian SOA, University, Bhubaneswar; Mr.Jitendra Das retd. Librarian, KV3, Bhubaneswar;Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sahu, SriJagannath Museum and Library, Nuagaon, Nayagarh&Mr.GaneswarNayak, Retd.Asst Librarian, HKM State Library. Dr.BasudevMohanty, IOP Bhubaneswar & Secretary, Odisha Library Academy extended his gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, sponsors, and organizers for making the seminar a resounding success.

The technical Session was chaired by Prof. BuluMaharana, HOD, DLIS, Sambalpur University. He advised to adopt the technological change as an opportunity.Three  invitedspeakers spoke on this occasion. Dr. D. B. Ramesh, Chief Librarian, SOA, Bhubaneswar spoke on  BeyondBooks:Libraries in the AI Era. Mr.Prashanta Panda from  TCS , Bhubaneswar gave a presentation  on  Artificial Intelligence (AI) application in Library. Dr.Naresh Chandra Sahu, IIT Bhubaneswar  spoke on  Users’ expectation andvisualisation of the modern library in the AI era. He concludes that users visualise modern libraries as holistic spaces.

More than 350 participants from different parts of the country participated and contributed to the knowledge economy for the society.  A poster session and Quiz competition was held for students on this occasion.The posters were evaluated byDr. Deepak Khuntia, Dr.PuspalataNegi,  Dr.SatyaRanjanSahu. Mr.Bijoy K. Panda, Joint Secretary, OLA and Dr.SambhunathSahoo, Assistant Librarian, IITcoordinated the entire programme. During the valedictory function Prof. R.R. Dash, Dean, Students Affairs, IIT Bhubaneswar ; Prof. P. Padhi, (Retd. Prof.), DLIS, Utkal University; Prof. BamanParida (Retd. Prof.), DLIS, Utkal Universityand OLA Vice-President Dr. Kamal LochanJena  were also graced this function. Seminar RapporteursDr.Bibhu P. Panda, Mr.SisirKumar  Mohanty&, Mr.Prasanna K. Muduli  summarised this programme. The seminar provided a platform for insightful discussions on the convergence of libraries and AI, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities that arise from this fusion. The event celebrated the legacy of Padma ShriDr. S. R. Ranganathan and acknowledged the crucial role that librarians play in adapting to new technologies while upholding the core values of information dissemination and equitable access. As AI continues to shape the information landscape, this seminar served as a reminder that the evolution of libraries in the AI era requires a balanced approach that preserves tradition while embracing innovation.