Latest news with #Librarians'Day
Time of India
12-08-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Ranganathan's Vision Guides Modern Libraries
1 2 Nagpur: The birth anniversary of Padma Shree Dr Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, the father of Library and Information Science (LIS) in India, is celebrated as Librarians' Day across the country on August 12. Born in 1892, the mathematician-turned-librarian transformed the field through his Five Laws of Library Science, Colon Classification (1933), and the concept of 'canons', which laid the philosophical and scientific foundation for classification, cataloguing, and library management. Speaking on the eve of Librarians' Day, Nagpur University's department of library and information science Prof Shalini Lihitkar said Dr Ranganathan's vision centred on access, equity, and growth of libraries. "He put India on the world map of library science by offering a scientific, flexible, and user-oriented approach," she said. India's public library system follows a pyramidal structure with State Central Libraries at the apex, followed by district/divisional libraries, and rural branches at the base. However, many libraries face challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, lack of trained staff, and limited digital access. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo This has widened the gap between public and academic libraries, the latter benefiting from institutional budgets and better facilities. The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) under the ministry of culture plays a key role in supporting public libraries through providing infrastructure, reading material, and retro-conversion projects in partnership with state govts. The National Mission on Libraries, launched in 2014, aims to modernise libraries by setting up model facilities, conducting surveys, training personnel, and creating a National Virtual Library of India. With the digital era reshaping access to information, the role of librarians has evolved from custodian of books to knowledge managers, digital navigators, and community educators. "Librarians today must be adept in digital literacy, open access resources, and AI tools," Prof Lihitkar stressed. She emphasised the need for continuous training, updated curricula in LIS education, and integration of technology to prepare librarians for future challenges. The profession now offers opportunities in diverse sectors including academic and research institutions, govt departments, archives, museums, corporate information centres, media, IT, and digital libraries. For libraries to truly serve communities, Prof Lihitkar said, they must be modernised, be inclusive and responsive, offer lifelong learning experience and services such as skill development, e-governance, and spread health awareness. "Libraries grow people. Let us grow our libraries," she said, echoing Dr Ranganathan's dream of making libraries dynamic beacons of knowledge and empowerment for every citizen. Vijay Khandal, director, Knowledge Resource Centre, Nagpur University, echoed Professor Lihitkar, saying learners must now make full use of AI tools and digital data. "The university has subscribed to new databases and converted many journals and books into digital form. Affiliated colleges, especially in rural areas, must subscribe to KRC membership to ensure their students have access to these digital resources," he said. Khandal said Dr Ranganathan brought about a revolution in the field of library science. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
From shelves to society, librarians lead the way
PUTRAJAYA: Librarians serve not only as custodians of reading materials but also as agents of social transformation, facilitators of information and promoters of an inclusive reading culture, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. The National Unity Minister said librarians play a vital role in nation-building and cultivating noble values aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises the development of a knowledgeable, united and cultured society. 'A nation's excellence relies on the depth of knowledge and unity among its people. 'As such, the role of librarians is crucial in nurturing a passion for knowledge, shaping the values of society and contributing to holistic national development,' he said in a statement in conjunction with Librarians' Day yesterday, Bernama reported. Aaron said Librarians' Day not only recognises the significant contributions of this group but also elevates the profession as a key driver of knowledge-based societal development. He said there are currently 1,149 librarians in Malaysia – 148 at the National Library, 139 in state public libraries, one in a community library, 210 in special libraries and 651 in academic libraries. Aaron added that the National Unity Ministry greatly values the commitment of librarians in supporting the National Reading Decade 2021-2030 initiative, which aims to make Malaysia a Reading Nation by 2030. 'This endeavour requires active participation from all parties, with librarians leading the way in promoting reading habits, enhancing digital literacy and fostering an information-literate society,' he said.
Barnama
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Librarians: Agents Of Social Transformation And Nation-building
PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- Librarians are not only custodians of reading materials but also serve as agents of social transformation, facilitators of information, and promoters of an inclusive reading culture. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said librarians play a vital role in nation-building and in cultivating noble values aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises the development of a knowledgeable, united, and cultured society. 'A nation's excellence relies on the depth of knowledge and unity among its people. As such, the role of librarians is crucial in nurturing a passion for knowledge, shaping the values of society, and contributing to holistic national development,' he said in a statement in conjunction with Librarians' Day today.
