Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu Library Association (R), in association with Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal, celebrated National Librarians’ Day and organised a State-Level Workshop on “Libraries at the Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities” on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the A.V. Auditorium of Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal.
The programme, organised under the theme “Libraries at the Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities,” highlighted the evolving role of libraries as dynamic centres of learning, research, information access and community development. As part of the National Librarians’ Day celebration, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the Father of Library Science, in commemoration of his birth anniversary.
The inaugural programme was presided over by Sri J. S. Hattwar, President of Hindu Vidyadayini Sangha (R), Surathkal, the governing body of Govinda Dasa College. In his presidential address, he emphasised that libraries continue to be vital sources of knowledge for students, researchers and the general public. He urged students to cultivate the habit of reading and develop a strong reading culture.
Prof. V. G. Talawar, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore and REVA University, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. In his address, he highlighted the importance of libraries in information management and knowledge sharing. Remembering the immense contributions of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, he observed that Ranganathan had not only strengthened the library movement in India but had also made significant contributions to the development of library science at the global level through his scientific outlook and human-centred approach.
Dr. Mahalinga Bhat K., Assistant Professor, Department of Kannada, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, attended as the Chief Guest. He described libraries as powerful centres for the dissemination of knowledge and stated that the role of libraries had not diminished in the digital age; instead, it had expanded and evolved in new forms.
Prof. Ramesh Bhat S. G., Administrative Director of Govinda Dasa College, spoke about the changing role of libraries at the crossroads of traditional and digital learning. He emphasised the need for libraries to reach readers effectively, understand their evolving needs and achieve the goal of promoting knowledge and lifelong learning. He also highlighted the importance of cultivating strong reading habits among students and encouraging them to make effective use of library resources.
The technical session was led by Dr. Rajashekar Kumbar, Librarian, Karnataka Folklore University, Haveri, who served as the resource person. He spoke extensively about the challenges and opportunities faced by libraries in the rapidly changing digital environment. His presentation focused on emerging technologies, information management, evolving user needs, digital resources and the importance of adopting modern library practices. He stressed the need for student-friendly services, digital library development and the effective integration of technology to transform libraries into accessible and dynamic information centres.
Prof. Harish Acharya P., Principal of Govinda Dasa College, was also present on the occasion.
Dr. Rekha D. Pai, President of the Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu Library Association, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Vanaja, Secretary of the Association, proposed the vote of thanks.
A special felicitation ceremony was organised as part of the event to honour retired librarians, doctoral degree awardees, faculty members promoted to the rank of Professor, and students who had secured the first rank and gold medals at Mangalore University. The ceremony recognised their dedication, academic achievements, and valuable contributions to the fields of education and Library and Information Science.
Dr. Sujatha B., Organising Secretary, read out the achievements and citations of the awardees
More than 75 Library and Information Science professionals from various institutions participated in the State-Level Workshop, making the programme a valuable platform for professional interaction, knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions on the future of libraries. Office-bearers and members of the Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu Library Association, faculty members and students also actively participated in the programme.
The workshop concluded with the message that libraries are not merely repositories of books but living centres of knowledge, research, reading culture, innovation and social development. The programme encouraged educational institutions and library professionals to embrace technological changes while continuing to strengthen the fundamental role of libraries in supporting learning, research and lifelong learning.
