GUWAHATI, Aug 12 � Librarians� Day was observed with a day-long programme by the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University in collaboration with the students� forum of the Department to commemorate the 119th birth anniversary of Dr. SR Ranganathan, the architect of modern librarianship in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof N Lahkar explained the significance of the Librarians� Day to the gathering and dwelled on the role of librarians in the day-to-day life.
Initiating a discussion on the topic �What do we expect from a modern library?�, Prof. HL Duarah said that for proper development of library services there must be full cooperation from the Government.
He regretted on the lack of proper leadership and management in libraries of Assam.
Prof Duarah further urged the politicians to think for the development of libraries to ensure overall development of the society.
He, while highlighting, Ranganathan�s contribution towards library system and services, further explained the role of library as an experimental laboratory in the present day education system.
Participating in the discussion Prof KG Bhattacharya, the Director of Academic Staff College, GU and a renowned academician of the State, highlighted the significant contribution of SR Ranganathan who was awarded National Professorship along with CV Raman in 1965 by Government of India.
�Because of dedication, he was picked up by S Radhakrishnan, the then VC of Benaras Hindu University to organize the university library at BHU,� he recalled. He also emphasized on the relevance of �Five Laws of Library Science� even in the ICT era.
Urging the library professionals to change their outlook and rededicate their services in their respective libraries, another speaker Prof. AK Bhagawati, Department of Geography, GU, observed that a congenial environment is important in rendering library services to each end-user in a library.
He also lamented over the lack of seriousness for library development in post independence period in Assam.
Prof Bhagawati also emphasized on the need of strong library movement for revival of human civilization.
The students, research scholars and faculty members of University also took part in discussion.
Later, a few cultural items were also performed by the students of the Department. Another highlight of the celebration was the Silver Jubilee Cash Prize distribution for the year 2009. Dr HL Duarah former VC distributed the cash prize to Jhuma Deb topper of MLISc Exam in 2009 as part of silver jubilee cash prize distribution.
Earlier, the programme started with University anthem performed by students followed by the lighting of lamps and floral tribute paid in the portrait of SR Ranganathan by Prof Hira Lal Duarah, former vice chancellor, Gauhati University.
This was followed by the welcome address by Dr RK Barman Prof and Head of Dept, who presided over the meeting.
