November 15, 2018: Libraries are not only the store house of information but also an instrument for preserving and protecting the identity and values of a ‘nation’. But with the changing time libraries should also change accordingly to meet the emerging demands, said Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor of Tripura and Chief Rector of Tripura University.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of PLANNER -2018 (Promotion of Library Automation and Networking in North East Region) – a biennial convention as Chief Guest today.
“It is all the more imperative that the library should be adequately used in activities relating to people’s welfare and development of the society” the Governor maintained.
Referring to the North East region Prof Solanki in his speech said, the region is ‘far ahead’ in many aspects in the country. He was also all praise for the Tripura University Vice Chancellor Dr V L Dharurkar.
Vice Chancellor Dr V L Dharurkar in his speech stressed on the importance of a library for total and wholesome development of the society. Quoting great philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero Dr Dharurkar said two most important things that humankind needed were ‘a beautiful garden and an enriching library’.
He also dwelt on the significance of a library in a society. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor informed the gathering, which included experts in library science from across the country, faculty, officers , students and dignitaries from various walks of life, that Tripura University was well equipped with a rich collection of about 1.5 lakh books, 50,000 e-books and other state of the art learning facilities.
Prof Inder Vir Malhan , Dean, Central University of Himachal Pradesh in his speech dwelt on the fast changing learning methods, ever increasing data bases and information storage with the emergence of internet and mobile technologies. The social media and mobile technologies with several multifaceted library and information gathering as well as time management apps, Prof Malhan felt, could play a key role in transforming the library concept. He opined that the idea of library was not only undergoing a sea change for the last few years but was also being strengthened with the new technologies.
“Now we are in an era of information overload and the time constraint” he said and added that in the environment of information overload, time management was an important factor. And as such, mobiles could very well be a part of modern library concept”, he said.
Among others who spoke on the occasion included Director INFLIBNET which sponsored the programme, Dr Jagdish Arora- who gave details of the INFLIBNET activities in promoting libraries across the country, Prof Narendra Lahakar , Convention Director , Registrar of Tripura University Sanit Debroy. Welcome address was given by organizing secretary and Librarian of Tripura University Dr B Sanjay. Vote of thanks was given by Convenor Divyakant Vaghela.
Governor Prof Sonalki also released the Souvenir and Conference volume.
