Srinagar, July 3: The Allama Iqbal Library, University of Kashmir, hosted its first Library Meet on Monday with the goal of providing a forum for retired and working librarians to network and share ideas for bolstering the Varsity’s library culture.
Professor Irshad A. Nawchoo, Dean of Research, and Dr. Nisar A. Mir, Registrar, were the special guests of the event’s opening session, which was presided over by Vice Chancellor Professor Nilofer Khan.
Prof. Nilofer, addressing the academic community and students, said that the Allama Iqbal Library is already among the finest in North India, and that the University is dedicated to transforming it into the finest library in the nation.
The VC noted that AIL’s current state is the result of the hard work of many people over many years, including past librarians and staff members, and that this work continues to benefit the University’s current and future generations of teachers, students, and researchers.
Prof. Nilofer applauded the AIL for conducting the first Library Meet and emphasised the need of maintaining such events on a regular basis so that retired librarians may continue to impart their knowledge and experience to current library employees and students.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs said that “such activities can go a long way in helping the University to bring in more reforms and introduce new technological advancements in key domains of library services.”
On this occasion, the VC also recognised the efforts of Mr. Reyaz Rufai, Dr. A. M. Baba, and Prof. S. M. Shafi, formerly of the Department of Library and Information Sciences at KU.
Prof. Irshad A. Nawchoo, addressing the gathering, said that the Library is the backbone of the University’s academic and research success, and that such meetings would build links for future elevation of the Library.
In his keynote address, Dr. Nisar A. Mir stressed the importance of the Library in establishing the University’s reputation on a national scale.
Prof. Sumeer Gul, Librarian of the AIL, gave a welcoming presentation in which he outlined the goals of the Library Meet and highlighted the accomplishments of the AIL.
The first session was led by Senior Assistant Librarians Dr. M Ishaq Lone and Dr. S. M. Imran, who also gave the vote of gratitude. Khalid Aslam, a Station House Officer at the Lal Bazar Police Station and a graduate of the University of Kansas, also spoke at the event on his time in the AIL.
