National level workshop on ‘Automation and Networking of Libraries’ successfully concluded at SMVD University yesterday. The workshop was organized in association with National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. The 3 day workshop has imparted skills to the participants regarding use of open source software developed by NIC known as e-Granthalaya 4.0 by two resource persons Sh. R. K. Matoria, Technical Director and Sh. Ravi Baarna, Research Scientist D, NIC. The successfully trained library professional from variety of institutions like Punjab University Chandigarh, Punjab Urdu Academy, AG Office, University of Jammu, Competition Commission of India Delhi, Govt. Degree College Udhampur, MIER Jammu, District Library Udhampur, District Library Jammu, District Library Rajouri have participated in the workshop. A panel discussion was also conducted on the topic “How to increase Footfalls and Readership in Libraries”. There was presence of 06 panellist and 05 discussants along with participants which made a brain storming on the topic in an elaborated fashion. The discussants emphasized that there is urgent need of Library professional who can provide services and resources to the users at the doorstep.

A participant from Punjab University Chandigarh called for smart merger of conventional libraries with technology. Another participant Dr. Sourabh Shukla from Competition Commission of India emphasized that library professionals and staff can be the key to increase the utilization of library resources in the present era. Mr. R. K. Matoria expressed that e-Granthalaya platform can be useful for utilization of resources. Mr. Ravi Baarna also expressed his opinion for sharp digitalization of libraries at different levels. On the last day of workshop a tree plantation drive was also initiated under the supervision of Dr. Supran Kumar Sharma, Faculty In-charge Central Library, Dr. Sushil Mehta, Head School of Business, Dr. Ashutosh Vashistha, Co-ordinator Technology Business Incubation Centre and Dr. Saurabh, apart from the participants of the workshop. The participants of the workshop shown higher level of satisfaction and felt motivated regarding all types of arrangements including boarding and lodging, transportation and contents of workshop disseminated to them during these 3 days.Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain and Prof. V.K. Bhat, Registrar of the University congratulated the participants and organizers of the workshop for the successful conduction of the event which will be having cascading effects for prospective and present users as well as Library professional.