21st International Conference Of MANLIBNET Empowers Libraries And Connects Communities

The 21st International Conference of MANLIBNET, centered around the theme 'Empowering Libraries, Connecting Communities: Innovation, Collaboration, and Entrepreneurship,' concluded on a high note at IMT Ghaziabad. 

With more than 200 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including library professionals, research scholars, ITES providers and publishers, the event set a vibrant stage for discussions and insights into the evolving role of libraries in today's world.

The conference commenced with Dr Akhtar Hussain, the Organising Secretary of MANLIBNET 2023, extending a warm welcome to the participants. Amy Memon, Regional Head of South Asia for AACSB, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered an inspirational opening speech. She quoted Shelby Foote's famous words, "a university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library," highlighting the profound importance of libraries in educational institutions and society as a whole.

Fr Dr K.S. Casimir, the Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR, took the stage with a keynote speech that delved into the transformative role of libraries. He emphasised how libraries are no longer mere repositories of books but are evolving into hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment, becoming central to the fabric of communities.

Dr Vishal Talwar, the Director of IMT Ghaziabad, shared his personal journey and the significant impact libraries had on his life. He stressed the need to shape the future of libraries and the importance of ensuring access to books and information for those who lack such resources.

During the inaugural session, notable awards were presented, with Jitender Sharma receiving the prestigious Best Librarian Award. Additionally, the MANLIBNET Innovative Librarian Award 2023 was bestowed upon Dr Rajesh Kumar and Dr Meenal Oak, recognising their outstanding contributions to the field.

The conference featured an array of activities, including 93 original research papers and engaging discussions through 75 paper presentations, two panel discussions, and eight plenary talks. Ms. Amy Memon, in her role as Chief Guest, released the conference proceedings, which will contribute to the ongoing discourse on libraries and their impact on society.

The three-day event came to a close during the valedictory session, where Dr Vishal Talwar reiterated the significance of personal growth and contributions to society. He urged attendees to explore opportunities for extending library outreach to rural areas, emphasising that investing in libraries is crucial for creating informed citizens and advancing citizen science.

The MANLIBNET-3B Best Paper Award was jointly awarded to Altaf Ali and Tiplut Wann, recognising their exceptional research contributions.