Mangaluru: Libraries are not merely repositories of books but living centres of knowledge, research, reading culture and social development, speakers said at a state-level workshop on ‘Libraries at the Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities’ and National Librarians’ Day celebrations held at the AV Auditorium of Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal, on Thursday.The programme was organised by the Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu Library Association (R) in association with Govinda Dasa College under the theme ‘Knowledge is Power’.Presiding over the event, JS Hattwar, president of Hindu Vidyadayini Sangha, Surathkal, said libraries remain vital sources of knowledge for students, researchers and the public. He urged students to cultivate a strong reading habit.Chief guest Prof VG Talawar, former vice-chancellor of the University of Mysore and REVA University, highlighted the role of libraries in information management and knowledge sharing.Recalling the contributions of Dr SR Ranganathan, regarded as the father of library science, Prof Talawar said Ranganathan had strengthened the library movement in India and made significant global contributions through his scientific and human-centred approach.Guest of honour Mahalinga Bhat K of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) said libraries had expanded their role in the digital age.Resource person Rajshekhar Kumbhar, librarian at Karnataka Folklore University, Haveri, discussed challenges arising from technological changes and stressed the need for student-friendly services and digital libraries.Retired professors, doctoral degree holders and Mangalore University rank-holders were felicitated during the programme.
