Kashmir University to link with public libraries at district level

Srinagar, May 7: In order to review the working of the Allama Iqbal Library, a meeting of the Library Committee members under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Prof Talat was held at e-Resources Centre here on Monday.

 During the meeting various issues concerning the functioning of the Library, budget allocation, infrastructure upgradation, purchase of rare books, IT policy of the University, opportunities of membership for senior citizens and civil society members, orientation program for fresh students and digitization of rare manuscripts were discussed.

 On the occasion, Prof Talat emphasised on getting linked with the public libraries at district level. “We should tap the satellite technology and there should be some link between Allama Iqbal Library and different colleges of the Valley including the public libraries in various districts so that students and scholars could get benefited from the rich collection of manuscripts, books and journals.”

 “At the same time there has to be some academic audit at our University level so that we can ascertain that how much the facility at Allama Iqbal Library is being used by students and faculty members of various departments. This will help us to know the departments who are not attending the Central Library for research and other academic purposes,” Prof Talat said. 

 While stressing the management of Allama Iqbal Library to focus more on collection of soft copies than the hard ones due to paucity of space, Prof Talat said there is a need to go through some structural changes.  

 “All over the world there is more focus on collection of soft copies as the space in the libraries is shrinking and same is the case with our library,” he said. 

 He appreciated the cooperation from members of civil society and participants for making suggestions. 

 “We will ensure that these suggestions are put forward to the competent authorities both in the state and union government so that all the required budgetary support and approval to implement the recommendations are provided,” he said. 

 The Committee discussed various other issues including the proposal of providing mandatory user awareness services for scholars and students at the beginning of each academic session. It also discussed proposals for setting up of multimedia unit in the Library and enhancement of temporary library membership fee, overdue charges, up gradation of CCTV system and creation of separate selection for differently abled students.

 Earlier Librarian Allama Iqbal Library Riyaz Rufai made a power point presentation about the various activities and services provided by the Library for the students, scholars, faculty members and members from civil society.

 The meeting among other attended by Dr GQ Allaqband, Prof Laxman Rao former Professor at Osmania University Hyderabad, Professor Shabahat Hussain University Librarian Aligarh Muslim University, Registrar KU Prof S Fayaz, Dean Academic Affairs Prof AM Shah, Dean College Development Council Prof Mushtaq Ahmed Kaw and Dean Research Prof Khursheed Ahmed Andrabi.

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