Srinagar, April 23 (Only Kashmir): To discuss about the prospects, status of conventional books, scope of reading, intellectual copyrights and the possible threat posed by electronic and on-line media to the traditional form of book reading and writing, Allama Iqbal Library, University of Kashmir today observed the World Book and Copyright Day during which various activities including a book and poster exhibition was held at KU.
Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof AM Shah who was Chief Guest on the occasion appreciated the efforts of the Library in preserving the conventional books.
He said “We should also think as to how we can help students to strengthen creativity among them.”
Prof Shah also suggested that Allama Iqbal Library can conduct a seminar in collaboration with department of Library and Information Sciences to think about the future structure of libraries and ways to increase the readership among students
“I am also worried about the future of books in our society. There is a need to revise the present form of our libraries,” Prof Shah said.
Chief Librarian, Allama Iqbal Library, Dr. Abdul Majeed Baba, while talking about the importance of inculcating the reading habits among the youth said people should think about the various means, whereby they can foster reading habits amongst the younger generation.
“Great books by great authors will continue to survive despite the technological revolution changing our reading culture,” Dr. Baba said.
Prof Baba added “Both digital books and conventional books have their own roles to play in the society and they are going to serve their users for the times to come.”
He urged students not to make reading an obligation but a hobby and passion.
Dean Faculty Law, Prof Farooq Ahmed Mir talked about the laws governing the intellectual property and the monopoly of publishers on authors. He said due to the incorporation of Intellectual Property Rights Act authors feel secure about their works.
“Intellectual Property Rights Act is a global movement to protect the intellectual property of people. Authors must come forward and press for their demands regarding their works,” said Prof Farooq.
Noted columnist and Producer EMMRC Ajaz- ul- Haque while talking about the transformation from print to on-line media said “We have become technophobes and technology has rendered us more virtual than real.”
However underlining a different perspective with the paradigm shift from print to on-line media Coordinator, Media Education Research Centre, KU Faruq Masudi said due to the technological boost we have been able to “preserve” the old classics for future generations.
“The advent of internet and open publishing ended the long domination of media moguls. Now with the help of internet everyone can publish without any gatekeeping,” Masudi said.
On the sidelines of the function, a book and poster exhibition was also inaugurated, which showcased the literary works of renowned authors of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The autobiographies, biographies of many noted personalities of the state were also put on exhibition there.
Later in the afternoon Vice Chancellor, KU, Prof Talat Ahmad visited the book and poster exhibition.
He also interacted with various visitors at the exhibition and participants of the poster exhibition and discussed themes of the various posters with the participants which included library professionals and students and scholars from dept of law and other departments of the varsity.
On the occasion Allama Iqbal Library also felicitated its three frequent users. During the function a printed file of Education Mail- an educational fortnightly was also presented to the library for archive by its Editor GH Gurkhoo. (OK)
