A two-day international conference on ‘Reimagining Smart Libraries’ was organised by IILM
University and HLA, powered by the Library Professionals Foundation, on May 10–11, 2024, at
IILM University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. The main objective of the conference was to provide
a platform for participants from companies, business organisations, academicians, research
scholars, and students to discuss emerging technologies, innovation, and knowledge creation in
light of the challenges of converting things and reimagining smart libraries.
The conference started with the welcome of dignitaries and invited all the dignitaries for the
lighting of lamps and Saraswati Vandana as a pious beginning.
The two-day sangam of intellectuals to do the manthan for reimagination of libraries started
with the inaugural session in the august presence of Shri Amit Kataria Ji, COO and Co-Founder
of SARAS AI, and Hon’ble Vice Chancellor-IILM University Prof. (Dr.) Padmakali Banerjee.
Keynote address by Prof. (Dr.) K.P. Singh, Director Gandhi Bhawan, Professor, DLIS, University of
Delhi, talks about education, knowledge, innovative technologies, and the thoughts of Baba
Saheb, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Vivekanand Ji, and Ravindranath Tagore.
Inspiring speakers delivered captivating keynote addresses, offering visionary perspectives on
the future of libraries, digital literacy, and the role of technology in shaping information access
and dissemination.
This conference witnessed two thought-provoking panel discussions that engaged participants
in lively debates on library services and emerging technologies, innovation, and breaking
barriers to creating inclusive libraries. The talk involves topics such as artificial intelligence in
libraries, inclusive digital initiatives, and the ethical implications of data-driven decision-making.
The conference featured an array of research presentations during 14 technical sessions that
showcased innovative approaches to library design, user experience enhancement, information
retrieval, the evolving roles of librarians, library transformation, and digital preservation. The
themes were as follows:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in library systems and services
Librarianship, ethics, and CSR
Collaborative Knowledge Creation and Crowd Sourcing
Collection Development Policies in the Digital Age
Digital Repositories and E-Publishing in Academic Libraries
E-Learning and Social Media Tools
Emerging and Innovative Technology Applications in Libraries
Ethical and legal issues of data privacy and security in libraries and information organisations
The Internet and Challenges for Intellectual Property Rights
Knowledge Management and Online Resource Management in Academic Libraries
Open Data, Open Access Journals, and Books
Plagiarism Detection: Issues and Challenges
Sustainable Digital Preservation for Academic Libraries
Public libraries and information literacy
More than 170 participants attended this mega event from various parts of the globe, like India,
Nigeria, Dubai, and Nepal, to name a few.
The conference provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, fostering
connections among librarians, researchers, educators, and technology providers committed to
advancing the mission of smart libraries worldwide.
The Best Paper Award has been received by Dr. Amrit Kaur, Chief Librarian, NIFT, New Delhi.
The Best Paper Present award has been received by Mr. Sagiru Bala Musa, from Nigeria.
ICRSL-2024 conference secretariats Dr. Anil Kumar Jharotia, University Librarian-NorthCap
University; Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Librarian-Amity University; Dr. Dharmendra Harit, Chief
Librarian-Sushant University; and Dr. Deepa Sharma, Assistant Librarian-BML Munjal University,
have received mementos from the Hon’le Vice Chancellor of IILM University.
Dr. K.P. Singh, Convener, ICRSL, has voted of thanks to Guest Sh. Buddha Chanderashekhar ji,
Guest of Honour Shreeman Amit Kataria ji, COO, Founder Chairperson SARAS AI, Keynote
Speaker Prof. Dr. K P Singh, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Padmakali Benerjee, Special Guests,
dignitaries, worthy delegates, panellists, foreign delegates, speakers, resource persons, all
committee members, and worthy LIS professionals to make this mega event RSL-2024 a grand
success. This international conference is powered by the Library Professionals Foundation (LPF).