Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev Lifetime Achievement Award conferred to Prof. S. Ravi

Dear All, 

We are delighted to inform you that Prof. S. Ravi, Professor and Head (Retired), Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, has been conferred with the Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev Lifetime Achievement Award (2024-2025) by IATLIS on March 28, 2025, at TISS, Mumbai. 

The department extends its heartfelt congratulations to him on this well-deserved honor and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors.

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.

Special Lecture on Open Access Week 2022@DLIS CUTN

Dear All,

This is to inform you that Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu has organized a special online lecture as part of the International Open Access Week 2022 on 26th October, 2022 (Wednesday) through Google Meet. Dr. Anup Kumar Das, Documentation Officer, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, JNU New Delhi was invited as the speaker and he delivered the lecture on “Open for Climate Justice: A Brief Overview of Digital Library on Green Mobility (DLGM)”. The program commenced with a welcome address given by Dr. Akhandanand Shukla, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN, Thiruvarur followed by a brief introduction of the resource person by Dr. S. Ravi, Professor at Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN.

Dr. Anup Kumar Das started the lecture by giving some introductory ideas about climate change and its effects on people and society. He informed that the obvious solution for this crisis is to reduce Carbon emissions and to achieve that, an urgent call for transforming the present transportation system is needed. The present status of E-mobility in India was discussed in this context, and it explicitly indicates that India stands at the cusp of a groundbreaking revolution in electric mobility. Government initiatives in this area were also pointed out by the resource person. The first initiative was the content of the Digital Library on Green Mobility (DLGM). It is a portal for getting E-vehicle information and other Government policies related to E-mobility. The purpose, features and resources of a similar kind of portal, E-Amrit, launched by NITI Ayog, were also mentioned. Shoonya, the zero pollution mobility campaign with its different tools kits, the establishment of an EV charging station in different parts of the country, and adapting EVs in the Indian army sector had also become the topic of discussion. Some state initiatives on the same were also included in the lecture session. An active Q&A session took place thereafter where Scholars and Faculties exchanged ideas and cleared their doubts on certain issues.

The lecture was coordinated by Dr. Anila Sulochana, Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur and attended by 28 participants. The lecture session ended with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Anila Sulochana. Mr. Abhijith B., Junior Research Fellow, worked as the rapporteur in the program. The glimpses of the program are given below:

Department thanks to all who attended the program and shared their valuable time with us. 

Thanks.

Farewell Function of Prof. S. Ravi@School of Communication

Dear All,

This is to inform you that a farewell function with respect to Prof. S. Ravi, who is retiring on 31st October 2022, was organized by Prof. G. Ravindran, Dean, School of Communication, Central University of Tamil Nadu in the Department of Media and Communication on 27th October 2022 (11:00 AM). The farewell function commenced with invocation followed by the welcome speech given by Prof. G. Ravindran, Dean, School of Communication. Dr. Akhandanand Shukla, Head of Department shared his experience with Prof. S. Ravi followed by other faculty members from the Department of Media and Communication and Department of Library and Information Science. Prof. S. Ravi has been honoured by Prof. G. Ravindran with a citation and shawl at the stage. The cultural programs including group dance and solo song were presented by PG students of Media and Communication Department followed by cake cutting by Prof. S. Ravi. Prof. S. Ravi shared his experience with the individual faculty members of the School of Communication and presented a philosophical song in his melodious voice. A formal vote of thanks has been proposed by a student of Media and Communication Department. The farewell function was well managed by Prof. G. Ravindran, Dean, School of Communication and students of Media and Communication Department.

The glimpses of the farewell function are given below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks.

Observation of Swachchata Pakhwada 2022

Dear All,

This is to inform you that the Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur has organised a cleanliness drive "Clean and Green Program" under the umbrella of Swachchata Pakhwada 2022 on 23.09.2022 (04:00 PM) at Central Library premises. Faculty Members, Scholars, PG Students and Staff of the Department participated in the cleanliness drive. The program was coordinated by Dr. Taddi Murali, Departmental Coordinator for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. A total of 19 persons participated in the program.

The glimpses of the program is given below:

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.

Special Lecture on Open Access Week 2021@DLIS CUTN

Dear All,

This is to inform you that Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu has organized a special online talk as part of the Open Access Week 2021 on 30th October, 2021 (Saturday) through Google Meet. Dr. Sridhar Gutam, Senior Scientist in ICAR-IIHR and working group member, Open Access India was invited as the speaker and he delivered the talk on “Building Structural Equity with Open Access”. The program commenced with a welcome address given by Dr. Akhandanand Shukla, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN, Thiruvarur followed by a brief introduction of the resource person by Dr. S. Ravi, Professor at Department of Library and Information Science, CUTN.

Dr. Sridhar Gutam started his talk with explaining the importance of open access and why science has to be open in this era. He continued with a brief explanation of the current landscape and history of open access and open science. He introduced this year’s International Open Access Week theme “It Matters How We Open Knowledge: Building Structural Equity” which highlights the individual and collective action required in our approach, decisions, actions, and investments in knowledge sharing to ensure that equity is foundational. He talked about their goal of sustainable development force to achieve soon by attaining access to information for everyone. He went on to talk about the data-information and knowledge cycle, how open access is about scholarly communications and librarians’ roles in making scholarly communication happen. He continued explaining how this will only be possible not only through access to information, but also through open innovation, open metrics to find how science is progressing, access to methods, open infrastructure etc. He emphasized on the role of preprints in rapid dissemination, about their characteristics, pros and cons, their status etc. Then he gave us an insight into the free culture work approved licenses. He elaborated on copyright in research and academic publications and their vital role in open access. An active Q& A session took place thereafter where Dr. S. Ravi, Dr. Akhandanand Shukla and Dr. Anila Sulochana also expressed their views and concerns regarding open access.

The lecture was coordinated by Dr. Anila Sulochana, Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur and attended by 36 participants. The lecture session ended with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Anila Sulochana. Ms. Nayanthara S., Research Scholar, worked as the rapporteur in the program. The glimpses of the program are given below:

Department thanks to all who attended the program successfully and shared their valuable time with us.

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.