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.

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

Dear All, 

We are delighted to inform you that the Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur and South Zone of Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centers (IASLIC), Kolkata have jointly organized National Librarians' Day Celebration on the occasion of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 134th birth anniversary on 15th August 2026 at 04:00 PM through Google Meet. 

On this occasion, Department has invited Prof. N. Laxman Rao, UGC Emeritus Fellow & Former Head, Department of Library & Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad as a special guest to deliver the theme talk "Library and Information Science Education in India at the Cross Roads."

LIS professionals are requested to join the program using the meeting link provided below.

Meeting Link: https://meet.google.com/ekt-nfyq-rno

Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 133rd Birth Anniversary Celebration on 12th August, 2025

Dear All, 

This is to inform you that the Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, organized the National Librarian's Day celebration on the occasion of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 133rd Birth Anniversary on 12th August 2025, from 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM, through Google Meet. On this occasion, the department invited Dr. M. G. Sreekumar, Director, Libraries, Jio Institute, as a special guest to deliver the theme talk on “The Changing Landscape of Learning Paradigm and Next Generation of Libraries.” 

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Akhandanand Shukla, DLIS, CUTN, followed by a brief introduction to the programme, the department, and its faculty members. Prof. S. Thanuskodi, Head of the Department, in his presidential address, highlighted the significance of National Librarian's Day and the contributions of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan to the profession. After his address, Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Assistant Professor, introduced the resource person to the audience. 

The resource person, Dr. M. G. Sreekumar, delivered an engaging and insightful talk on “The Changing Landscape of Learning Paradigm and Next Generation of Libraries.” In his presentation, he discussed the historical context and evolution of libraries over millennia, changing user behaviors—especially among digital natives—emerging and current trends in libraries, and the role of technological advancements, with a focus on AI applications in libraries. He also spoke about best practices in library services as well as the professional competencies required for librarians to remain relevant and impactful. There was an active Q & A session after the lecture where Dr. Sreekumar answered the queries.

The invited talk was coordinated by Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Assistant Professor, DLIS, CUTN, and was attended by more than 66 LIS professionals, students, and scholars from across the country. The event concluded with remarks by Dr. S. Ravikumar, Associate Professor, DLIS, CUTN, who summarized key points from the discussion and delivered the formal vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and to Dr. M. G. Sreekumar for his enlightening presentation. Ms. Doli Basumatary, MLIS 3rd Semester student, served as the rapporteur for the programme.

The glimpses of the program is given below: 

Department thanks to all who attended the program across the country and taken the benefit to listen Dr. M. G. Sreekumar on the occasion of National Librarian's Day.

Celebration of National Librarian’s Day 2024, jointly organized by the DLIS, CUTN and IASLIC, Kolkata (South Zone)

Dear All,

The library community in India observes National Librarian’s Day on August 12, 2024, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan. This year also marks the centenary of Prof. S. R. Ranganathan’s entry into the LIS profession. The Department of Library & Information Science at Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur, in association with the Indian Association of Special Libraries & Information Centers (IASLIC, Kolkata, South Zone), jointly organized National Librarian’s Day 2024 on August 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM to celebrate the 132nd birthday of Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan. 

On this occasion, the DLIS, CUTN, invited Prof. B. Ramesh Babu, Commonwealth Fellow (Loughborough University) and former Professor in the Department of Library & Information Science at the University of Madras, as the special guest to deliver a keynote address on “Dr. Ranganathan’s Legacy in the Indian LIS Profession.”

The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Taddi Murali, Head of DLIS, CUTN, followed by an introduction by Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Assistant Professor, DLIS, CUTN, and Vice President of IASLIC, Kolkata. Dr. Sudhier provided an overview of Prof. B. Ramesh Babu, a distinguished figure in Library & Information Science in India. Prof. Ramesh Babu interacted with students, research scholars, faculty, and senior professionals nationwide through a Google Meet session organized by the department. He delivered an insightful talk about Dr. S. R. Ranganathan and his transformative impact on the field of librarianship in India. Prof. Ramesh Babu elaborated on Dr. Ranganathan’s teachings, such as the 'Five Laws of Library Science' and the 'Colon Classification' system, highlighting their continued relevance in today’s LIS profession and their role in fostering new research ideas. He also noted that the decline in the quality of the LIS profession in India is partly due to the insufficient implementation of Dr. Ranganathan’s principles and recommendations. Prof. Ramesh Babu emphasized the obligation of library professionals to uphold Dr. Ranganathan’s legacy and advance the field by embracing his values.

The glimpses of the program are given below:

Dr. V. K. Dhanyasree, Assistant Professor, DLIS, CUTN, delivered the concluding remarks, summarizing the guest speaker’s address. Dr. Anila Sulochana, Assistant Professor, DLIS, CUTN, offered a vote of thanks to the dignitaries and participants. Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Vice President of IASLIC, expressed gratitude to all who attended the celebration, particularly the students, research scholars, and LIS professionals across the country. Over 50 LIS professionals participated in the online event.

Thanks.

Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 131st Birth Anniversary Celebration on 12th August, 2023

Dear All, 

This is to inform you that the Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur and Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centers (IASLIC), Kolkata have jointly organized National Librarians' Day Celebration on the occasion of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 131st birth anniversary on 12th August 2023 at 12:00 PM through Google Meet. On this occasion, Department has invited Prof. S. Ravi, Former Dean, School of Communication & Head of the Department of Library & Information Science, CUTN as a special guest to deliver the theme talk "Dr. S. R. Ranganathan: The Epitome of Librarianship".

The program commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. Anila Sulochana, Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur followed by an introduction about the resource person Prof. S. Ravi, Former Dean & Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, a distinguished figure in the field of Library and Information Science. The presentation by Prof. S. Ravi underscored the enduring impact of Dr. Ranganathan’s contributions to the field of Library and Information Science. The speaker emphasized the pivotal role of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan in shaping library science education and librarianship in India. The session resonated with the audience, as Prof. Ravi not only shed light on Dr. S. R. Ranganathan’s contributions but also contextualized their relevance in the modern library and information landscape.

The invited talk was coordinated by Dr. Anila Sulochana, Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, and attended by 30 LIS professionals. The event’s closure was marked by a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Taddi Murali, Assistant Professor, DLIS, CUTN, Thiruvarur. Dr. Murali expressed gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and to Prof. Ravi for his enlightening presentation. Ms. Bhavya K. P., Junior Research Fellow worked as rapporteur in the program.

Thanks.

Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 130th Birth Anniversary Celebration on 16th August 2022

Dear All, 

This is to inform you that the Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur has organised National Librarians' Day Celebration on the occasion of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 130th birth anniversary on 16th August 2022 at 11:00 AM through Google Meet. On the occasion, Department has invited Dr. Vijayakumar M., University Librarian, Pondicherry University, Puducherry as a special guest to deliver the theme talk "Five Laws of Library Science in the Present Context".

The programme commenced with a welcome address given by Dr. Akhandanand Shukla, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur followed by a detailed introduction about the resource person Dr. Vijayakumar M., University Librarian, Pondicherry University, Puducherry by Dr. S. Ravi, Professor, DLIS, CUTN.

Dr. Vijayakumar M. talked about his experience in incorporating the five laws in various aspects of librarianship. Dr. Vijayakumar expressed how five laws are important to libraries and each law was explained with its implications, that is, how these laws will be applied in the current context. He elaborately discussed collection development and book selection policies, and how effectively book selection, as well as journal subscription, can be done. He emphasized how important it is to procure resources for differently-abled users. The importance of library location, rules and regulations, incorporating ICT, and maintaining updated OPAC for saving the time of users were discussed in detail. He gave some innovative ideas like the concept of a garden library, terrace library, meditation rooms, cafeteria and refreshing areas which will help to attract users to the library. There was an active Q & A session after the lecture where Dr. Vijayakumar answered the students’ queries.

The glimpses of the program are given below:

The invited talk was coordinated by Dr. Anila Sulochana, Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur and attended by 24 professionals. Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur summarized the session. The session ended with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Taddi Murali, Assistant Professor, DLIS, CUTN. Ms. Bhavya K. P., Junior Research Fellow worked as rapporteur in the program.

Thanks.

Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 129th Birth Anniversary Celebration on 12th August, 2021

Dear All,

This is to inform you that Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur has organised National Librarians' Day Celebration on the occasion of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 129th birth anniversary on 12th August, 2021 at 03:30 PM through Google Meet. On the occasion, Department has invited Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Academics) & Head, Kalanidhi Division, IGNCA, New Delhi as a special guest to deliver the theme talk "Indian Librarianship after Dr. S. R. Ranganathan: A Bird's-eye View".

The programme commenced with a welcome address given by Dr. Akhandanand Shukla, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur followed by a detailed introduction about the resource person Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean (Academics) & Head, Kalanidhi Division at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India by Dr. S. Ravi, Dean, School of Communication and Professor, DLIS, CUTN. Prof. Ravi also spoke about Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, his contributions, and how his ideologies are still relevant to the realm of Library and Information Science.

Prof. Gaur started by expressing his happiness to address DLIS CUTN, especially because the university is situated at Dr. S. R. Ranganathan’s birth place. He spoke about how Ranganathan influenced him to be a proud librarian because Ranganathan found his passion in Library Science even though he was from the Mathematics community. He went on to talk about how Ranganathan taught us to be a multifaceted personality to realize what one’s profession demands by observing the reality and surroundings. He carried on by talking about how Ranganathan was the front runner in creating library associations and how he paved the way for quality education in Library Science in India. Prof. Gaur mentioned the contributions of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan like setting up standards and guidelines for a classification scheme and code, DRTC, making the Library Science education in India of highest quality, convincing the government and other national bodies to create opportunities and avenues for the LIS community, bringing all the libraries and professionals under one umbrella with ILA etc. The speaker expressed his admiration for Ranganathan by referring to him as a true nationalist. He stated that the time of Ranganathan was the golden era of Indian librarianship.

He then moved on to a narration about the current state of librarianship in India. He expressed his opinion that there is an absence of true leadership in the profession. He mentioned that the one thing he feels like Ranganathan failed to do is that creating or developing secondary leaders. He emphasized on how everyone wants to be a leader instead of recognizing a leader. The next point he elaborated was on the lack of one single, powerful and functional national association and how he thinks that the community has lost its voice because of this. He expressed his concern over how divided we are as a community and enunciated that the lack of unity and adherence of the library professionals as a community results in things like library staff positions getting cut off in numbers, no revisions being made to previously written or drafted rules or guidelines according to the changing landscape, not having a collective voice to raise awareness etc. He then carried on speaking about how the library community saw the technological revolution as a threat instead of an opportunity. He said that the library professionals must understand technology and have good IT & communication skills, and added that redesigning the Library and Information Science curriculum in connection with the dynamic landscape is the way to attain it. Prof. Gaur suggested the young professionals to be proud of their profession and the senior professionals to seek leaders and the best of the individual in each person. He concluded by stressing on the importance of respecting your colleagues, keeping the values the Father of Library Science has taught us, the fact that we have to choose our leader & the leader has to work towards the collective goals without any self-interest and that it is high time that we, as library professionals give back to the profession.

Prof. Gaur emphasized the importance of school libraries and how they are of great potential to do wonders in shaping the new generation as a reply to Mrs. Mamta Amarpuri in the Q&A session. He added that in his opinion, every library should be considered as public libraries in our country. Prof. Ravi added on his perspective on how important school librarians are and how an attitude to see the potential in a situation.

The glimpses of the program is given below:

The programme was attended by more than 75 professionals and ended with Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Assistant Professor expressing his perspectives and delivering the formal vote of thanks. Ms. Nayanthara S., Research Scholar, worked as rapporteur in the program.

Thanks.

Padmashree Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 128th Birth Anniversary Celebration on 12th August, 2020

Dear All,

This is to inform you that Department of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur has organised Librarians' Day Celebration on the occasion of Padmashree Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's 128th birth anniversary on 12th August, 2020 at 11:00 AM. On the occasion, Department has invited Prof. A. R. D. Prasad, Former Head, DRTC, ISI, Bangalore as a special guest to deliver the theme talk "What is Living and What is Dead of Ranganathan's Contributions?" on YouTube Live.

Prof. S. Ravi, Head of the Department and Dean, School of Communication, CUTN has delivered the welcome address followed by theme talk by Prof. A. R. D. Prasad. A formal vote of thank has been proposed by Dr. Akhandanand Shukla. The function was organised by Dr. T. Murali, Dr. K. G. Sudhier, Dr. Anila Sulochana, and Dr. V. K. Dhanyasree. 

 

All the students and research scholars of the Department as well fellow professionals from all over the India have watched the program on YouTube Live.

The program can be watched online at following address: https://youtu.be/aWmOk_mjC2E

Thanks.