Workshop on “Creation and Management of Digital Libraries through Open Source Software”

Chandigarh, January 7, 2019: A five day workshop on “Creation and Management of Digital Libraries through Open Source Software” was inaugurated here today by Professor Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh which is being organised by A.C. Joshi Library in collaboration with Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET). PU VC in his address informed that creation and management of digitized library is important keeping in mind the shift to the virtual world. He further added that there is abundant data/literature/study material available with the library and for maximum utilization of services by all stake holders, the data to be digitized in a sequential way. The efforts for digitization have been initiated with the PU Library but will be soon extend to the other parts of PU. He advised the workshop team to connect the students and teachers/wardens of various departments with the workshop. Prof. Preeti Mahajan in her keynote address talked about shift of traditional library to digital library keeping in mind that the digital library provide 24X7 information, user friendly interface, multi-media resources, advance search options, solves preservation policy and unlimited storage space. She talked in details about the why, whom, what, when and how of the digitization keeping in mind the users, the depository, planning, budgeting, software, timeline and evaluation of usability. She also informed that the services of digital library includes being instant, healthy, spicy, enticing and exotic keeping in mind the delivery of information, attractiveness to youth and universal accessibility. However, she stressed that the need of the hour is to adapt to change and to build digital archives. Prof. Shankarji Jha, Dean of University Instruction connected the theme of workshop with the traditional knowledge system mentioning that in this globalized age of information and technology, digitization has a great role to play in learning. Prof. Sanjay Kaushik, Dean College Development Council in his address said Open source technology and open source thinking both benefit programmers and non-programmers. He further gave details about the remote computing which is also called as cloud computing which is an increasingly important aspect of everyday life with internet-connected devices. He informed that library prefers open source software because libraries have more control over this kind of software and also, it is more secure and stable software which helps library professionals to become better programmers. Earlier, Dr. Rashmi Yadav, University Librarian in her welcome address informed that there were around 40 participants from different parts of India to attend this workshop. This workshop in the next five days will focus on different aspects of open source software and have associated 12 resource persons from INFLIBNET, Panjab University, Delhi and other parts of India.