Bhubaneswar: Artificial Intelligence (AI), online libraries and emerging digital technologies are set to redefine the way information is accessed, managed and disseminated, experts said at the 11th Annual Convention and Seminar of the Odisha Library Academy (OLA) held Sunday.
The convention, organised at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar, on the theme “Reimagining Information and Education through Online Libraries and Artificial Intelligence (RIEOLA)”, was held alongside the Librarians’ Day celebration to mark the 134th birth anniversary of S R Ranganathan, the Father of Library Science in India.
The event focused on the evolving role of libraries and librarians in the digital era, with discussions centred on AI, online resources, digital education, research support and technology-enabled information services.
The inaugural session began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a floral tribute to Ranganathan.
Odisha Library Academy Secretary Bijoy Ketan Panda delivered the welcome address, while OLA president Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo addressed the gathering. Director of Higher Education, Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, IAS, attended the event as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohapatra said books and libraries remained his passion and announced that librarian recruitment would be conducted regularly every year.
“The recent recruitment for the post of librarian has taken place this year. Such recruitment would occur regularly every year, thereby fulfilling the dreams of thousands of eligible candidates,” he said.
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RIE Bhubaneswar Principal Prof Manasi Goswami, who attended as the guest of honour, stressed the close relationship between libraries and educational institutions.
“Libraries and educational institutions complement each other; education is worthless without libraries,” she said.
The keynote address on Librarians’ Day was delivered by Banamber Sahoo, former Head of the Library and IT Division, ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneswar.
He highlighted the changing responsibilities of library professionals and stressed the need for librarians to embrace digital technologies and develop innovative information services.
The convention also honoured distinguished professionals for their contributions to the library and information sector.
Nilakantha Sarangi, retired librarian of Parija Library, Utkal University, and founder of Pandit Nilakantha College of Library & Information Science, Bhubaneswar, was felicitated as a Distinguished Library Professional for his contribution to library education and the profession.
Sasmita Mishra, retired librarian of HKM State Library, was also felicitated for her dedicated service and contribution to the library and information profession.
