Dr. J S Sharma Memorial Seminar-cum-Lecture

A C Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized Dr. J S Sharma memorial Seminar-cum-Lecture on 29-4-2014 on the eve of 90^th Birth Anniversary of Prof. Jagdish Saran Sharma who was Professor of Library and Information Science and Chief Librarian of A C Joshi Library, Panjab University. A Blood Donation Camp was also organized in which about 59 persons donated the blood. The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Naval Kishore, Dean, College Development Council, Panjab University. In his inaugural address he highlighted the importance of Library Science in the present age of literature explosion of technological changes.

Prof. H R Chopra, former Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Panjab University delivered the keynote address. He traced the history of library science education in India with special reference to Punjab. He discussed the origin of development of Panjab University and role of Dr. J S Sharma in this regard. He discussed the latest developments in the field and also the expectations of the library users. He also highlighted significant enactdots pertaining to the life, professional career, qualities and achievements of Dr. Sharma.  Six Research Scholars of Dr. Sharma were facilitated by the Chief Guest.

Dr. J S Sharma memorial lecture on the theme “University libraries in 2020” was delivered by Prof. H R Chopra. He elaborated the professional achievements of Dr. J S Sharma. He also focused on the need of providing right information to the right person at the right time and at the right place. He was of the opinion that University Libraries are required to make full use of electronic documents, websites and other electronic devices in order to provide the information quickly, accurately, pin pointedly, exhaustible, economically and from various access points. He also paid rich tribute to Prof. J S Sharma. 

In the afternoon a Panel Discussion was held on the theme “University Libraries in 2020” which was moderated by Prof. Sewa Singh. The Panelists were Dr. R P Kumar, Mrs. Indu Dhawan and Dr. Jaya Kumar who discussed the need of adopting new technologies in the libraries in order to come upto the expectations of the clientele. They stressed the need of improving the infrastructural facilities, new gadgets and use of Internet for searching databases and websites from all over the world. Need of providing current awareness service, selective dissemination of information and user profile service was also opined. Some participants also deliberated in the discussion.

Dr. Raj Kumar floated the idea of instituting some scholarship in the memory of Dr. J S Sharma. The idea was well received and appreciated by all.  Some participants offered to donate money for this purpose. It was decided unanimously to write to the well wishers of Dr. J S Sharma to donate money. Thereafter a committee may be constituted to decide the modalities and other details.

More than 100 delegates from different parts of Northern India attended the Seminar and showed their views. The Seminar was concluded with a vote of thanks to Dr. Raj Kumar, University Librarian, A C Joshi Library who organized the Seminar.