The Kashmir University, with the help of Indian experts including one of Kashmiri origin, is preserving rare manuscripts electronically
KU to Digitize Local Newspapers, Rare Books
Srinagar: The University of Kashmir will soon digitize all local newspapers besides the old and rare books available in its Allama Iqbal Library.
The decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the varsity vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi. last week.
The members decided to conserve, preserve and subsequently digitize the newspaper and books, and later convert them as e-books¸ which would be available on the internet. They also decided to acquire and digitize Sanksrit, Persian and Arabic manuscripts.
In his presidential address, Prof Punjabi applauded the role played by the library staff in getting it at par with reputed national and international libraries.
The Library Committee Meeting was attended by deans of all the university faculties, heads of various teaching departments and the registrar, Prof S Fayyaz Ahmad. Two eminent scientists Prof T.A.V Murthy, Ex- Director INFLIBNET and Dr. H. K Koul , Director , DELNET, New Delhi, were also part of the meeting.
Prof Murthy and Dr Koul asserted that the Allama Iqbal library plays an important role in developing model literary culture in the state of Jammu and Kashmir by means of having the modern technology and infrastructure in place.
Dr Muthy offered to donate all his personal collection of books and other material to the library. The decision was applauded and accepted by the members.
The members also called for networking of all college libraries in the state particularly in the valley by upbringing their services and staff with adequate infrastructure and training.
The University Librarian, Reyaz Rufai, highlighted achievements and progress made by the library in providing access to the knowledge resources within the university by using modern technological means and expertise of staff.
Meanwhile, the library and its staff was impressed upon, to work more assiduously and efficiently in close proximity with civil society and play key role in transforming social set up.
(Kashmir Observer)