Summit on Re-envisioning Library and Information Science Education

Aligarh: Christine Mackenzie, President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), United Kingdom discussed innovative approaches to library and information science education such as issues of diversity and inclusion, education roles of library and information science professionals, the incorporation of new technologies and related pedagogical approaches.

She was speaking as the Chief Guest in the International Virtual Summit on ‘Re-envisioning Library and Information Science Education: Present Status and Future Trends’ organised by the Department of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Collaboration with the Telangana Library Association, Hyderabad.

Christine highlighted the challenges of universal access to online content and use of online learning tools by people in developing countries.

She pointed out that researches have shown that a 44 per cent people in the world have no universal access to information.

“IFLA is committed to ensure free access to information for all,” said Christine expressing the need for building common vision for the future of libraries by the collaboration of libraries at the international level.

AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor said that there is always a scope for the improvement in existing curricula and introduction of specialized courses to produce skilled manpower in the changing environment.

He opined that it is the responsibility of the library schools across the globe to prepare manpower to take up the challenges to meet the information requirements of modern library users.

Prof Nisar Ahmad Khan, Dean, Faculty of Faculty of Social Sciences highlighted the emergence of library and information science education in India and the contribution of the Department of Library and Information Science, AMU.

Prof B Shadrach Advisor, Commonwealth of Learning, Canada expressed the need of international collaboration by library schools to overcome the challenge of producing quality manpower in line with the changing demand of different organizations.

Dr Bhuva Narayan, University of Technology Sydney, Australia spoke on the status of the education of information professionals and discussed various Library and Information Studies, Information Science, and Information Professional education programs in the USA, Canada and Australia.

Prof Reysa Alenzuela, Central Philippine University, Philippines highlighted the trend of library education in South East Asian countries.

Prof T D Kemparaju, Vice Chancellor, Bangalore North University, Karnataka emphasized the need of multidisciplinary character of library and information science curricula that may incorporate journalism, communication, Information Technology, management and cultural aspects to cope with the future challenges.

Prof Diljit Singh, DLIS University of Malaya, Malaysia expressed the need of incorporating newly emerging concepts like digital humanities, embedded librarianship, Research Data Management and open science in the curricula of library and information science courses.

Prof M Nasiruddin Mitul, National University of Bangladesh, Dhaka analysed the challenges, opportunities and threats for Library Science professionals.

In the introductory remarks, Prof N Laxman Rao (Director, International Virtual Summit) said that the summit is a platform to learn from experts and to identify the gaps between demand of the market and courses offered by library science schools.

Extending the vote of thanks, Prof Naushad Ali P M (Coordinator, International Virtual Summit) said that over 1300 participants from all over the world attended the online summit.

Dr M Masoom Raza (Programme Convener and Chairperson, Department of Library and Information Science) delivered the welcome address. Dr. Mohammad Nazim (Co-coordinator, International Virtual Summit) moderated the Question and Answer session.