CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTech), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Association of Senior Library and Information Professionals (ASLIP) conducted a two-day conclave on Technological Breakthrough and Libraries: Present and Beyond from 7-8 November 2024. The conclave theme emphasised the transformative impact of technology on libraries and their services and explored technological advancements in reshaping libraries and their future role in an increasingly digital world. The Association of Senior Library and Information Professionals (ASLIP) is a registered body of library professionals devoted to developing the profession and professionals.
Dr KPS Sengar, Organising Secretary of ASLIP Conclave 2024, welcomed the participants and highlighted how technology has revolutionised the domain of library and information from print mode to virtual and beyond. Prof. RK Kohli, Vice Chancellor Amity University Mohali, who was the Chief Guest for the event, harped on the need for such a conclave at the backdrop of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) & Big Data that is shaping up the way information is stored, accessed and utilised.
The two-day conclave included keynote lectures, panel discussion, poster & product presentation, and invited lectures from library professionals and researchers across the length and breadth of the country. The conference theme encompassed Artificial Intelligence in Libraries, Innovation in Libraries, Online Resources & Services, Library Automation and Digitisation, Academic Integrity and Libraries Outreach Activities.
Dr S Karthikeyan, Officiating Director, CSIR-IMTECH, gave the inaugural address, and Dr RP Kumar, President ASLIP, discussed how the two-day conclave will focus on current technological trends and challenges that libraries confront in the digital era. Keynote address by Dr HR Chopra, Prof. (Retd), Panjab University, was also one of the highlights of the event. An award ceremony commemorating library professionals for their outstanding contributions to the library and information science field was also held during the first day of the conclave. A souvenir and a conference proceeding book were also released on the occasion.