Librarians’ Day observed at UoG’s Quaid-e-Azam Central Library

GUJRAT: Librarians’ Day was observed at the Quaid-e-Azam Central Library of the University of Gujrat (UoG) with a seminar and panel discussion focusing on the evolving role of libraries, academic research and information professionals in the digital age.

The event was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr S.R. Ranganathan, regarded as the father of library science in South Asia. August 12 is observed as Librarians’ Day in recognition of his contribution to the development of library science and his five laws of library science.

Speaking during the panel discussion, Senior Librarian Rameeza Mushtaq said that a central library was the intellectual hub of any university and that the role of librarians had changed significantly with the expansion of digital resources.

She said modern librarians were no longer limited to maintaining books and records but were increasingly helping students and researchers identify, access and use reliable academic material.

Senior Librarian Liaquat Ali said the growing use of digital media had not reduced the importance of printed books and physical archives. He said libraries continued to provide researchers with access to authentic and preserved sources of knowledge.

Librarian Khadija Munawar highlighted the impact of technology on library services and said librarians had increasingly become information navigators, helping students and researchers locate relevant digital resources in an increasingly complex information environment.

In his presidential address, Chief Librarian A.R. Sheikh said academic libraries played a central role in strengthening research and intellectual development.

“A library is neither a mere structure of bricks and mortar nor a repository of silent shelves; it is the fundamental engine of a nation’s intellectual sovereignty,” he said.

Mr Sheikh said the rapid spread of unverified information through digital platforms had created new challenges for librarians and researchers. He said ensuring access to authentic and credible academic information was now among the key responsibilities of library professionals.

He said the Quaid-e-Azam Central Library was providing students and researchers access to HEC digital resources, international peer-reviewed journals and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).

The library also has dedicated research facilities for MPhil and PhD scholars and provides services related to academic research and similarity checking, he added.

The speakers stressed the need for universities to further strengthen library infrastructure and equip libraries with modern digital resources to support research and higher education.

The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by Chief Librarian A.R. Sheikh and senior members of the library staff.