3rd India Public Libraries Conference to be held in October

With a renewed focus on "reaching the unreached", Indian Public Library Movement (IPLM) will organise the third edition of India Public Libraries Conference here in October.

Unlike the last two editions, which focused on future of public libraries, this year's IPLC will focus on inclusive libraries with an aim to bridge the gap between rural and urban, and, virtual and real.

The conference will be held at India Habitat Centre from October 3 to October 5.

"The focus of this years' conference is on reaching the unreached, bridging the gap between rural and urban; virtual and real; the haves and have-nots as far as the knowledge is concerned.
 

"Keeping in view the recommendations of the 1st and 2nd conference, the 3rd IPLC is looking more specifically into ways to work upon these towards creating a knowledge society," Shubhangi Sharma, executive director, IPLM, said.

With support from NASSCOM Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Library Initiative, IPLC will be inaugurated by Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) Mahesh Sharma.

The three-day conference will witness participation by over 400 public library stakeholders across the country, including library practitioners, professionals, policy makers, planners, corporate, civil society as well as speakers from India and abroad along with students of Library and Information Sciences.

NASSCOM Foundation ceo Shrikant Sharma said that the conference aims to begin "discussion on the conditions of public libraries and have a positive impact on these spaces".

"Indian Public Library Movement is an initiative close to our hearts. The idea is to create thought-provoking discussion on the situation of the public libraries in India and positively impact these spaces through the knowledge of ground realities and innovation.

"Public libraries have the potential to ensure that every Indian without discrimination has easy access to the knowledge they seek," he said.

Panel discussions at the conference will cover topics like 'Public Library: Potential and Possibilities', 'Current Status of Public Library Financing in India', 'Public Libraries as Agents for delivering Government Services' among others.