Part of the mandate to improve digital library opportunities and awareness in the global platform, to increase consumer education around information and resources as well as to develop community partnerships, the libraries of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), Skyline University College (SUC), Sharjah in Collaboration with African Library & Information Associations & Institutions (AFLIA), and National Digital Library of India (NDLI) has organized an International Librarians’ Webinar with the theme ‘Digital Resources Management in the 21st Century’.
The Webinar which took place on 6th July 2021 was organized to serve as a platform for Library and Information Service Professionals to learn and share insights about the industry and to contribute to the overall improvement of the usage and impact of the library system. Keynote speakers includes; Former Director of Computer Science Engineering – IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, the Joint Principal Investigator – NDLI, Prof. Partha Pratim Das, the Chief Strategic & Outreach Officer – NDLI, Dr. Vignesh Sornamohan and the Director of Human Capacity Development & Training; African Library & Information Associations & Institutions (AfLIA), Dr. Nkem E. Osuigwe.
According to the first Keynote speakers and Principal Investigator of the NDLI, Prof. Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, who spoke on ‘Access to Knowledge Resources in the 21st Century: Vision of a Digital Library’, “The live webinar would give direct access to information resources, both digital and non-digital, in a structured and authoritative manner and thus to link information technology, education and culture in contemporary library service”. Contribution from other speakers includes Prof. Das who shared important details on the overview of NDLI and Its relevance for Africa, equally, Dr. Vignesh discussed how to access the resources of NDLI while Dr. Nkem redefined librarianship in Africa in line with 21st Century information sector realities, and other participants from across the globe.
Earlier, while giving his opening remarks,Vice-Chancellor of Skyline University College, Professor Mohammed Inairat, welcomed participants to the Webinar. He stated that digital library has been a focal point for academic progression and the National Digital Library of India has gone a long way to strengthen relationship through building a solid partnership with renowned libraries all over the world. He commended the quality of leadership and administrative governance which has impacted the lives of library users to rethink how to work to create a higher impact in the future of library usage.
The Head Librarian of SUN and one of the convener of the webinar, Mr. Kabiru Danladi Garba, acting on behalf of the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ajith Kumar V.V, appreciated the efforts and dedication of the host presenters as well as the organizing comittee of the webinar for makiing the event a grand success. The event had in attendance, over 217 participants cutting across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, including some high-profile dignitaries from both Government and Private sectors as well as Universities.