JAMMU: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, hosted a three-day Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on “Information Retrieval: Changing Trends in the Age of ICT” from October 13 to 15. The programme aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, innovation and capacity building among library professionals from Jammu Division.
Organised by the Department of Library and Documentation, Academic Unit-I, the event brought together experts from the University of Jammu, Government Degree Colleges, SCERT Jammu and Samagra Shiksha to deliberate on emerging trends and best practices in library and information management.
The CBP focused on enhancing understanding of the evolving nature of information retrieval in the digital and ICT driven environment and familiarising librarians with modern tools, technologies and digital platforms for efficient access, organisation and dissemination of information.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Anuradha Seth, Chief Librarian, Government Degree College for Women, Gandhinagar, who applauded the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards empowering participants to innovate and adapt to changing technological environments.
Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director SCERT J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, congratulated the organisers, resource persons and participants. She emphasised fostering a culture of excellence in librarianship, staying abreast of emerging trends and delivering efficient, effective and ethical information services.
The sessions covered diverse aspects of library development, information literacy and the integration of technology in educational resources. Eminent professionals including Dr. Samita Wadhera, Department of Botany (University of Jammu), Dr. Pramod Kumar, Department of Library and Information Science (University of Jammu), Dr. Arun Gupta Librarian (GDC Chenani), Dr. Sandeep Sharma (GGHSS Mandi, Poonch), Ms. Lakshmi Puri, teacher(Samagra Shiksha), Academic Officers Ms. Manu Vasudeva, Mr. Bikram Singh, Dr. Bhuvi and Ms. Ruchi Mohan Librarian from SCERT Jammu shared insights on continuous professional development and the need for stronger collaboration among educational institutions.
A key highlight of the programme was the release of the book “School Library Governance: Rules and Policies for Traditional and Automated Libraries,” authored by Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Librarian, GGHSS Mandi, Poonch. The book was formally unveiled by Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor who commended the author’s scholarly contribution to the field of library science.
Dr. Sandeep Sharma also delivered an engaging session elaborating on the core concepts, objectives and vision of his book, offering valuable insights into modern library governance, policy formulation and automation practices.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Bhuvi, Coordinator of the event, who expressed gratitude to all resource persons and participants for their active engagement and commitment to advancing library excellence.
