GUWAHATI, Aug 14 - The Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University celebrated Librarians Day on August 12 to mark the birth anniversary of the Father of Library Science in India Dr SR Ranganathan with a daylong programme along with the rest of the country.
The celebration started with the university anthem Jilikabo luitare paar composed by the cultural icon of the State Dr Bhupen Hazarika and a Saraswati Bandana performed by the students of the department, followed by floral tributes to Dr Ranganathan.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Alaka Buragohain, the director of Media Trust Assam, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the role of library services in society and the changes that have taken place in the system over the years. She emphasised the immediate need for a library legislation in Assam, which is lying on the table of Govt of Assam for the last several years for its enactment.
Mahendra Nath Borah, retired librarian, Assam Agricultural University spoke on the evolution of the library from the past to the present. Borah shared his experiences of professionalism from 1966 to 2016.
Dr Prasanta Kumar Deka, general secretary, Assam College Librarians� Association and librarian of KC Das Commerce College talked about Dr SR Ranganathan and his contributions in the field of library science.
Prof RK Barman and Dr Tilak Hazarika, teachers of the department shared their views on the present library system and the contribution of Dr Ranganathan in today�s context. Both the speakers highlighted the various activities of libraries.
A large number of library professionals attended the programme and took active part in its celebration. Dr Nabajyoti Das, librarian, Handique Girls� College and Dr Nirmal Ranjan Mazumdar, librarian, Pub Kamrup College shared their experiences regarding the importance of such celebration and the role of library in society.
In between academic talks, the students of the department performed songs, recitation, etc.
Prof Sanjay Kumar Singh, Head, Dept of Library and Information Science presided over the programme and in his speech shared his views regarding the importance of library and information science education and the status of the librarian. He further said that the department would provide full support and cooperation for enactment of a library legislation in Assam, which is the need of the hour for the people of the State.
College librarians, research scholars and students of library and information science participated in the celebration in large numbers.