Five days Capacity Building Programme of National Mission on Libraries (NML) for Public Library Personnel under Ministry of Culture, Government of India has started today in the Pondicherry University (PU), Puducherry.
Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the university inaugurated the said programme. On his speech, Prof. Singh mentioned the importance of books and the usefulness of libraries to inculcate reading habits among the citizen. He quoted the Gandhian words that the real progress of the nation should be from the village regards the initiatives establishing a library in each panchayat village. He added that public libraries should be updated using modern ICTs. He thanked Ministry of Culture for organizing such training programme in Puducherry and wished to collaborate in future programmes.
Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General, RRRLF and Additional Mission Director, NML mentioned the nationwide activities of NML and RRRLF in respect of establishment of model libraries, proving quality library services to the poor, deprived and underprivileged community. He mentioned that according to the announcement in the last union budget, Government of India has allocated Rs.5000 crore to establish libraries in village panchayat levels and RRRLF is trying to ensure all kinds of need based educational support to the local community. He also added that corporate houses and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are being approached to invest under CSR head for upliftment and betterment of library services. He emphasized the concept of “drawing room” libraries instead of traditional libraries to increase the footfall in the libraries.
Dr. M. Vijaykumar, University Librarian explained the importance of the Capacity Building Programme for public library professionals and welcomed all the guests and participants from Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka, Puducherry, Tamilnadu and Kerala for attending the programme.
Among the other dignitaries, Shri Dipanjan Chatterjee, Project Officer, NML, Controller of Examination, Pondicherry University, Director, HRDC, Pondicherry University, School of Deans, Head of the Departments, teaching faculty, administrative officers and library team were present.
62 library professionals will be trained in this training programme in respect of the management of libraries, use of modern ICT skills, library automation, use of social media, soft and interpersonal skills, preservation and conservation techniques etc. The programme will continue till 16th June, 2023.
Dr. M. Baskar, Senior Assistant Librarian, Central Library, Pondicherry University proposed the vote of thanks.