SILCHAR, Jan 20 � The library systems need an aesthetic change so that the users are never away from receiving and creating information with knowledge, said Paula Kaufman, a professor and interim director at Mortension Centre, University of Illinois, USA.
Paula who is here to attend the three-day international conference on What�s Next in Libraries beginning from January 21 at the National Institute of Technology Silchar in collaboration with Mortension Centre, University of Illinois, USA said that said that even as libraries undergoing changes, there is plenty to be achieved. �Libraries have changed yet the physicality exists. Libraries are not just limited to books, they are a set of services, which currently have become more customised for the end users,� Paula said.
Paula will be speaking on the past present and future of libraries in her presentation during the conference. The other speakers representing, University of Illinois, USA include Jeffery Mark Schrader, assistant dean of libraries for facilities, Susan Schnuer, associate director Mortension Centre, and William H Mischo, professor and head, Grainger Engineering Library Information Centre.
Librarian at NIT Silchar and organising secretary of the conference, Dr Kishore Chandra Satpathy said that there are about 30 participants from six countries who will dwell on the intricacies of library system.
While Prof Asis Datta, Chairman, BOG, NIT Silchar hailed this initiative as a new beginning towards development of technology, Prof NV Deshpande, director NIT Silchar said that this conference will lay the basis for exchange of new ideas and will make the exchange of knowledge easy among the librarians, information specialists, scientists and information providers. He also said that the institute will soon tread into e-learning activities though venture Studio wherein the faculty will impart lessons online to the students and knowledge seekers.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the meeting, NIT Silchar signed a MoU with IIM Kashipur on Green MBA. Dr KM Baharul Islam, Professor of Communications at the IIM Kashipur said the MoU will augment technological advancements in the domain of environment focusing sustainable development.
It is to be mentioned that a world class library worth Rs 44 crore is coming up at NIT Silchar which in the words of the director will stress on information production and digital dissemination of knowledge.
