Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Librarian’s Day, a seminar on ‘Current Trends in Digital Library’ was organised by Odisha Library Academy at Regional College of Management in Bhubaneswar, Monday.
SR Ranganathan, (National Professor of Library Science) who was considered the Father of Library Science in India, had made immense contributions to the field. August 12 is celebrated as National Librarian’s Day in India, in remembrance of Dr Ranganathan (1892-1972), for his lifelong dedication to the upliftment of the profession of a librarian and spearheading the library development in India.
On the occasion, Prabir Pal, Chairman, RCM, spoke about the significance of libraries and librarians in education with lively examples. He also emphasised that a library is not just a mere collection of books but a knowledge bank to transform life and society. He suggested facilitating awards in the state to promote library profession.
RK Mahapatra, University Librarian, OUAT, explained why digital library is the need of the hour in the academic system. He said that digital library is not confined to a particular location or so called building; it is virtually distributed all over the world.
The user can get his/ her information on his own computer screen using the Internet. Actually, it’s a network of multimedia system, which provides fingertip access. The spoken word or the graphical display of a digital library has a different impact from the printed word. In the new environment, owning a document will not be problem for the library because the user will pay for its uses.
The speakers, intellectuals and invitees who participated in the seminar put forth their views on the boundless role of Library and Information Science.
At another event, Utkal Library Association observed Librarian’s Day at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. On the occasion, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash said: “It is very important to know the importance of the library science in the modern scenario. A library is not only a collection of books but is a way to transform life and society. We, as people representing the library science, know that research or motivation by us can change student’s life and future.”