Mysuru: A two-day National Conference on ‘Digital Libraries, Library Automation and Open CourseWare: Issues and Best Practices’ organised by Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore,  began at the BM Sri auditorium in Manasagangothri here yesterday.

Inaugurating the conference, Prof. T.D. Kemparaju, Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore North University, Kolar, observed that many people considered Library Science as outdated but averred that the subject was very important and still in vogue, which cannot be ignored. However, he opined that technology should be advocated in Library Science through digitalisation. He suggested more research in that field to evolve a new concept of Library. He asked all libraries to be updated with latest technology to cater to present day students and readers.

Talking about the importance of Library Science, he said that the Department was gaining importance as even the teaching faculty were given higher positions in the University. He pointed out that internet is not a reliable source of information unlike printed documents such as books, which are trusted sources.

Senior Academician and Library Scientist Prof. A.Y. Asundi delivered the keynote address briefing on the background, development and innovations in Library Science.

A newly- developed ‘Prof. V.G. Talwar Information and Communication Technology  (ICT) Lab’ was inaugurated on the occasion.

Also, a commemorative volume of the conference was released by University of Mysore  Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. J. Somashekar. Department Chairman Dr. Mallinath Kumbar and others were present.

About 200 delegates comprising researchers and students of Library Science from various States participated in the conference, which featured paper presentations and interactions.

Former Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Venkataramaiah will be the chief guest at the valedictory function this evening. Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology of University of Mysore Prof. T.K. Umesh will preside. A seminar hall in the Department will be named as “Dr. S.R. Ranganathan Hall” in memory of the Father of Library Movement in India.