Job Achievement by Ms. Fathima S.

Dear All, 

We are delighted to inform you that Ms. Fathima S., a graduate of the MLIS program (2021-2023 batch) and an alumna of the Department of Library & Information Science at the Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, has been appointed as a Trainee Library Assistant at K. N. Raj Library, Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam.

The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Fathima S. on this accomplishment and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

Successful Completion of Open Ph.D. Viva-Voce of Ms. Mariam Bhanu M. A., Ph.D. Scholar

Dear All,

We are pleased to inform you that Ms. Mariam Bhanu M. A., Ph.D. Scholar (R191906) of the Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur, successfully defended her Open Ph.D. Viva-Voce Examination held in the Smart Classroom on 12th August 2026, at 02:00 PM. Her doctoral research is titled “Role of Public Libraries in Sustainable Development of the Society in Kerala: A Study.” 

She presented her research work in detail and satisfactorily answered the questions and queries raised by the External Examiner and other participants during the Open Ph.D. Viva-Voce Examination. Dr. Subarna Kumar Das, Professor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, served as the External Examiner for the examination. Dr. V. K. Dhanyasree, Assistant Professor and Research Supervisor, served as the Convener of the Open Ph.D. Viva-Voce Examination.

The Open Ph.D. Viva-Voce Examination was attended by the RAC members, faculty members, research scholars, postgraduate students, and other members of the academic community. The examination provided an opportunity for academic interaction and discussion on the research findings and their implications for the role of public libraries in sustainable development.

The Department of Library & Information Science congratulates Ms. Mariam Bhanu M. A. on the successful completion of her Open Ph.D. Viva-Voce Examination and wishes her continued success in her academic and professional endeavours.

Ms. Anugu Tejaswini Wins Essay Writing Competition on Librarians’ Day 2026

Dear All, 

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Anugu Tejaswini, a student of the M.Lib.I.Sc. (2025–2027 batch), has secured the First Prize in the Essay Writing Competition organized as part of the Librarians’ Day Celebration 2026. The competition was organized by the Department of Library & Information Science, CUTN to commemorate Librarians’ Day and to encourage students to express their ideas, creativity, and perspectives on the changing role and significance of libraries in contemporary society.

The essay competition was conducted on the theme “Beyond the Bookshelves: What a Library Means to Me.” The theme invited participants to reflect on the role of libraries in learning, research, creativity, community engagement, and personal growth. Ms. Anugu Tejaswini distinguished herself through her thoughtful presentation, originality of ideas, and effective articulation of the evolving significance of libraries beyond their traditional role as repositories of books and information. Her achievement reflects her keen interest in the field of Library and Information Science and her ability to engage meaningfully with contemporary perspectives on libraries and librarianship. The winning essay will also be featured in the forthcoming issue of Bibliophile, the departmental newsletter. 

The Department of Library and Information Science extends its heartiest congratulations to Ms. Anugu Tejaswini on this commendable achievement and wishes her continued success in her academic pursuits and future endeavours. The Department also appreciates all the students who participated in the competition and contributed to making the Librarians’ Day celebration a meaningful academic and creative occasion.

Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 134th Birth Anniversary Celebrated on 15th August 2026

Dear All, 

We are delighted to share you that the Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur in association with the Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres (IASLIC), Kolkata (Zone 1), organized a national webinar to commemorate National Librarians’ Day 2026 on 15 August 2026 at 4:00 PM via Google Meet. The webinar was organized on the theme “Library and Information Science Education in India at Crossroads.” The programme was presided over by Prof. S. Thanuskodi, Head, Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN, and coordinated by Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Vice President, IASLIC.

The eminent speaker, Prof. N. Laxman Rao, UGC Emeritus Fellow and Former Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, delivered the keynote address. He discussed major issues and emerging needs in Library and Information Science (LIS) education, with particular emphasis on curriculum reform, digital integration, faculty development, industry collaboration, open access, continuing professional development, employability, and research orientation. Following the keynote address, Prof. P. G. Tadasad, Department of Library and Information Science, Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University, Vijayapura; Dr. K. P. Vijayakumar, Former Head, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kerala; and Dr. S. Ravi Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN, shared their views, observations, and suggestions on the theme. 

The webinar concluded with the concluding remarks by Prof. Akhandanand Shukla, Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN. Dr. S. Ravi Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN, proposed the formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the keynote speaker, dignitaries, organizers, and participants for their valuable contributions and active participation.

Overall, the webinar was an informative and meaningful academic programme that provided a valuable platform for discussing the present challenges and future directions of Library and Information Science education in India. The deliberations emphasized the need to continuously adapt LIS education to technological advancements, evolving professional requirements, employability needs, and the rapidly changing information environment.

National Librarian’s Day 2026 Celebrated at DLIS, Central University of Tamil Nadu

Dear All,

We are delighted to inform you that the Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), celebrated National Librarian’s Day 2026 on 12 August 2026 at the Choza Central Library Hall, CUTN, with great enthusiasm and academic fervour. The programme commenced at 10:30 AM and was attended by faculty members, students, invited dignitaries, and members of the university library community. The programme began with a formal welcome to the distinguished guests. The gathering was honoured by the presence of Prof. E. M. Shankar, Dean of Research, CUTN, and Prof. B. Radha, Dean, School of Communication, CUTN, as the Guests of Honour. Respected faculty members, Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Departmental Programme Coordinator, and students were also present on the occasion.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. S. Ravi Kumar, Associate Professor, CUTN, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, students, and the entire gathering. This was followed by the Presidential Address by Prof. S. Thanuskodi, Head, Department of Library and Information Science. In his address, he highlighted the significant role of libraries and librarians in supporting education and research, facilitating knowledge creation and dissemination, and contributing to the intellectual development of society. The programme then proceeded with the Librarian’s Day Special Talk, delivered by Dr. R. Parameswaran, Librarian, Choza Central Library, CUTN. The Guests of Honour, Prof. E. M. Shankar and Prof. B. Radha, subsequently addressed the gathering and shared their valuable thoughts on the importance of libraries and librarianship, as well as the role of learning and knowledge dissemination in contemporary society. Their insightful messages added academic significance to the celebration. 

One of the most memorable moments of the programme was the release of the Department Newsletter, Bibliophile, Volume 8, Issue 1, June 2026. The newsletter was released in the presence of the distinguished guests and faculty members. The occasion was particularly significant with the participation of the Guests of Honour, Faculty Editor Dr. K. G. Sudhier, and Student Editor Anugu Tejaswini. The release marked another important contribution to the academic and creative activities of the Department of Library and Information Science. The celebration was followed by the Prize Distribution Ceremony. As part of the National Librarian’s Day celebrations, the Department had organised competitions for students, including an Essay Writing Competition on the theme “Beyond the Bookshelves: What a Library Means to Me” and a Poster Making Competition on the theme “Library 2030.” The winners of the competitions were felicitated and presented with their prizes by the Guests of Honour. The ceremony provided an encouraging and memorable experience for the participating students and recognised their creativity and engagement with the theme of librarianship. The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Hari Krishnan S. N., Department Representative, Second Year MLIS. He expressed sincere gratitude to the dignitaries, Head of the Department, faculty members, programme coordinators, students, and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the celebration.

The National Librarian’s Day 2026 celebration was a meaningful and memorable occasion that brought together the academic community of the Department of Library and Information Science to recognise and celebrate the invaluable role of libraries and librarians. The programme concluded on a positive and celebratory note, leaving the participants with a renewed appreciation for the enduring significance of libraries in fostering knowledge, learning, research, and the intellectual development of society.