To enhance the professional competence of library personnel and promote the upgradation of library service standards in the digital era, the Allama Iqbal Library (AIL), Kashmir University (KU), Monday inaugurated a 5-day capacity building workshop here.

 Through training and tailored instruction modules the programme, titled ‘Capacity Building Programme of National Mission on Libraries for Public Library Personnel’, and organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), aims to enable the participants to fulfil their roles effectively in diverse library environments.

 On the occasion, Joint Secretary to the Ministry of Culture, Mugdha Sinha, underlined the need for investing in the data analytics of library systems in order to ensure benefits to the relevant stakeholders.

 “While the books are the ballast, libraries act as the anchor. We need large scale translation, transliteration, digitisation, conservation and preservation of manuscripts and archival records,” she said while giving insights into the government’s fund-sharing scheme for libraries.

 “It is imperative to equip library personnel with the necessary skills to navigate the digital age and serve their communities effectively,” she reiterated adding that libraries play a vital role in encouraging intellectual growth and preserving cultural heritage.

 In his keynote, Director General, RRRLF, Prof B V Sharma, emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the field of library science.

 “Learning, unlearning and relearning are essential in keeping pace with technological advancements and societal changes. This workshop provides a valuable opportunity for library professionals to enhance their competencies and stay relevant in their roles,” he said while stressing on keeping up with the changing dynamics of library systems and technological advancements.

 In his welcome address, Librarian, AIL, KU, Dr Fayaz Ahmad, emphasised the crucial role of libraries as “beacons of knowledge and enlightenment”, stating that public libraries are not just physical spaces with shelves lined with books but “the gateways to knowledge and culture”.

 “Academic library is the heart of an institution that serves as a repository of knowledge and sanctuary for academic and scholarly pursuits,” he said, adding that libraries without trained and updated library professionals are like soulless bodies.

Assistant Librarian, AIL, KU, Dr Sheikh Mohammad Imarn, conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session while as, Project Officer, National Mission on Libraries, Dipanjan Chatterjee, proposed the formal vote of thanks.

Deans of various schools, heads of different departments besides participants from various states and Union Territories, KU scholars and students also attended the inaugural session.