Observance of National Librarian's Day 2025

National Librarian’s Day is commemorated annually on 12th August to honour the birth anniversary of Padmashri awardee Dr. S. R. Ranganathan (1892-1972), widely recognised as the Father of Library Science in India. This observance celebrates his enduring contributions to the field of library and information science and his pioneering role in shaping modern librarianship in the country.

In recognition of this significant occasion, Rayburn College Library organized a seminar, focused on promoting an advocacy campaign on Digital Information Literacy. The seminar aims to raise awareness and foster critical engagement with digital resources among students and academic communities.

With the rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), libraries globally are undergoing a transitional phase, evolving from traditional print-based repositories to hybrid systems that integrate both print and digital (online/offline) formats. Consequently, libraries now offer access to an ever-expanding array of online electronic resources (e-resources) and digital services to support teaching, learning, and research.

Although the current generation of students, often referred to as the millennial or digital-native generation, they are still naive in accessing digital content rationally both offline and online for their academic pursuit. This growing concern underlines the urgent need for structured awareness programs and literacy initiatives that can equip students with the necessary competencies to navigate both online and offline digital content responsibly, particularly in relation to their academic development and future scholarly pursuits.

Through this initiative, Rayburn College Library seeks to foster a more informed and digitally literate student community aligned with the evolving demands of the knowledge society.

Programme Overview:

• Theme: Advocacy Campaign for Digital Information Literacy Awareness.
  • Organised by: Rayburn College Library Department in Collaboration with IQAC.
  • Date: 12th August 2025 (Tuesday)
  • Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM (One-half hours)
  • Venue: Rayburn College Auditorium, W-Block Top Floor.
  • Participants: All UG (5th & 6th Semester) and PG Students of Rayburn College.
    

Programme theme, Aims and Objectives

The event focused on the theme:
“Digital Information Literacy: A Key to Academic Empowerment in the Digital Era.”

The programme aims to:

• Pay tribute to Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the Father of Library Science in India.
• Conduct an orientation program on library services and effective use of library resources.
• Raise awareness about the evolving role of libraries in the digital age.
• Promote responsible and informed use of digital resources among students.
• Empower participants with skills to critically engage with online and offline digital content for academic purposes.

This initiative is a response to the changing landscape of information access, where digital fluency has become essential for academic success. While students today are adept at accessing digital platforms, there remains a critical need to guide them in the effective, ethical, and meaningful use of digital information.