A two-day conference on Innovation and Digital Transformation in Academic Libraries (ICIDTAL) has convened over 150 thought leaders in library science, information technology, and research. The conference being held at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), Faridabad commenced on May 27.
Organized by Dr. O.P. Bhalla Central Library, with support from National Digital Library of India (NDLI) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the conference focuses on leveraging emerging technologies like AI, data analytics, digital preservation, IoT and smart library systems to modernize academic libraries in the digital age.
According to Dr. Rajesh Kumar, University Librarian, MRIIRS, Digital transformation in academic libraries is no longer a futuristic concept, it is a mission-critical reality. This conference brings together thought leaders, scholars, and innovators from India to exchange insights, challenges, and breakthroughs in the journey of transforming libraries. From immersive digital tools to AI-enabled systems, libraries today are not just repositories of books, but dynamic spaces cultivating access, equity, and innovation.
The inaugural session was graced by key dignitaries such as Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia University (Chief Guest); Prof. Devika Madalli, Director, INFLIBNET (Guest of Honour); and Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General, Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) & National Library of India (Guest of Honour).
Over 60 research papers and case studies are being presented at the conference, addressing pressing topics such as research visibility, ethical AI use in academia, and automation in library services. Select contributions will be published in an ISBN-registered volume, and top papers may feature in Gyankosh, a peer-reviewed Journal in Library and Information Science.
A key session on Day 1 titled “Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem with One Nation One Subscription”, moderated by Dr. Sarita Sachdeva, Executive Director and Dean, Research, MRIIRS, engaged participants in discussions on open-access frameworks, inter-institutional collaboration and India’s global research impact.
The conference agenda focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence into library workflows, safeguarding data privacy and promoting ethical technological practices, advancing next-generation discovery tools, building digital competencies within the library workforce, and creating collaborative national infrastructure for academic access.
The release of conference proceedings was a key highlight, marking a milestone in knowledge sharing and dissemination among the academic community.
Dr Naresh Grover, Pro Vice Chancellor of MRIIRS, said, “Academic libraries today are no longer just silent halls lined with books, they are dynamic digital gateways to knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. At MRIIRS, we have always believed in staying ahead of the curve, especially when it comes to technology-driven learning. This conference reflects our deep commitment to digital transformation in higher education. As we gather with scholars, librarians, and professionals from across the country, we reaffirm our mission to drive lasting change in academic libraries and empower the next generation.”
