GNIMS -BOSLA National Seminar 2024

GNIMS – BOSLA National Seminar was organized on the Theme "Evolving Roles and Spaces in Librarianship: Competencies and Beyond", on August 10, 2024.  This enriching Seminar was a celebration of National Librarians' Day and the 132nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, Father of Library Science in India, organized by the Bombay Science Librarians Association (BOSLA) in collaboration with SGPC's Guru Nanak Institute of Management Studies (GNIMS) and GNIMS Business School, Mumbai. The event attracted 120 attendees from Pan-India, including Librarians, Information Science Professionals, and Members of BOSLA, Library Science Students who gathered to explore the evolving roles and required competencies of librarians in the digital age.

Dr. Subhas Chavan, Chairman, Dr. Ganesh Surwase, Vice-Chairman, Dr. Dattatraya Kalbande, General Secretary; Dr. Kuljeet Kaur G. Kahlon, Treasurer and other Office bearers were the Organizing Committee. Dr. Nandkishor Motewar, University Librarian also attended this Seminar, which gave a boost to the Organizers.

The seminar began with registration and breakfast, setting a welcoming tone for the day. Following this, attendees assembled in the Auditorium for the formal inauguration, which commenced with the GNIMS Prayer and Saraswati Vandana, symbolized by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Kuljeet Kaur G. Kahlon, the Organizing Secretary, Treasurer of BOSLA, and Library Manager, SGPC’S Guru Nanak Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by the Felicitation of Eminent Guests.

Anchoring by Ms. Neelam Chavan, Librarian, Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Mumbai and Dr. Manju Kalita, Librarian, BITS Pallini, Mumbai, was engaging and added credibility to the seminar.

Dr. Subhash Chavan, Chairman of BOSLA and Director of the Library at BMK SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, provided an insightful introduction to BOSLA, highlighting its history and achievements. Dr. Jasbir Kaur, In-charge Director, PGDM, GNIMS Business School, delivered the Chief Guest Address, emphasizing the need for adaptation in Librarianship.

The seminar was officially inaugurated by Prof.  Dr. M. Doraswamy, Honorable Vice Chancellor, Dravidian University, by an Audio Message, speaking on the evolving role of librarians as knowledge facilitator and providing his best wishes for a successful Seminar.

The Presidential Remarks by Dr. Satvinder Singh Bedi, In-charge Director, MMS, GNIMS, reflected on the critical role of librarians today, emphasizing the importance of the seminar's theme.

The event also featured an Book launch, book written by Dr. Kuljeet Kaur G. Kahlon entitled The Role of Internet in Management College Libraries in Mumbai, published by San International Scientific Publications and the release of the GNIMS In-House Journals – International e-Journal of Library Science and Sansmaran Management Research Journal, adding to academic value to the seminar. BOSLA’s dedication to recognizing excellence in librarianship was evident in the award announcements, including the prestigious Prof. Kognurmath Best Librarian Award presented to Dr. E. R. Prakash from BARC, Mumbai for his outstanding contributions to the field. The seminar also included the felicitation of Retired Library Professionals Dr. Vanita Jain, Ex-librarian, M.D. College, Mumbai and Mr. Dileep Bhaskar Ghoderao, Ex-librarian, TIFR, Mumbai and Ph.D. awardee Dr. Anil Kumar, BARC, Mumbai. BOSLA presented a memento to the host organization GNIMS for hosting this fruitful and enlightening Seminar.

Dr. Dattatraya Kalbande, General Secretary of BOSLA, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all involved.

The Technical Sessions from Mr. Kishor Ingle, Head, Information Resource Centre, TCS, Pune gave a power packed session on Skills and Competencies Required for the Changing Role of Librarians. He mentioned the importance of various skill development for the Library Professionals and contemporary trends in librarianship.

Ms. Padma Sirohi, Librarian, D. Y. Patil, Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, engaged the attendees with her outstanding session on Are Libraries More than Just a Place, highlighting that Libraries are not a place but a content creation.

A Book Exhibition was held by Vakratund Book House and the attendees purchased books for their Institute.

Feedback from two Student attendees Ms. Kevali Sanghvi and Ms. Gauravi Gurav and BOSLA Member Dr. Deepali Kuberkar, Librarian, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai added to the academic atmosphere of the seminar.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory function, the National Anthem, lunch, networking, and Certificate Distribution.

All the attendees visited the GNIMS Library and G. N. Khalsa College Library after the seminar. They were overwhelmed by the ambience of the Library and the efficient functioning of the Library. They shared their remarks and memorable feedback of the Seminar and the Libraries.

This Seminar was a resounding success and provided vital discussions on the changing landscape of librarianship and offered a platform for networking and professional development among library and information science professionals. This seminar provided an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared mission and to recommit ourselves to the principles Dr. Ranganathan laid down. This was a memorable and meaningful event in honor of a Great Visionary and reaffirming BOSLA's commitment to advancing librarianship.

A Brief Report of the Seminar is published in the Business Standard Newspaper, dated August 14, 2024.