IIM Jammu Unveils City's First Smart Library: A Leap into the Future
In a city known more for its scenic beauty than its technological prowess, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu is quietly revolutionising the educational landscape. The newly inaugurated Nalanda Library has become the city's first smart library, setting a precedent for the intersection of technology and learning.
Equipped with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, the library offers a seamless experience for students and researchers. According to Shailesh K Lohiya, the librarian, 88 to 90 per cent of the resources are digital. This includes a collection of 2.5 lakh books available online, offering users a vast repository of knowledge at their fingertips.
Technology at the Core
The library’s digital backbone is powered by KOHA, an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), which ensures efficient management of resources. Students and faculty can access a wealth of databases, e-books, and academic journals around the clock. The inclusion of a Bloomberg Lab further enhances research capabilities, providing tools that are crucial for those in the field of business and economics.
Discussion rooms and study spaces are designed to facilitate collaborative learning, an essential aspect in today’s educational environment. The library’s dedicated web portal allows users to manage their accounts, reserve books, and even suggest new acquisitions, all from the comfort of their homes.
Implications for Education
The transformation of the Nalanda Library into a smart library is not just a feather in the cap for IIM Jammu, but also a significant development in the educational sector of the region. It demonstrates how technology can enhance learning experiences and provide students with the tools they need to excel in a globalised world.
As Jammu steps into the future with this pioneering initiative, it sets a benchmark for other institutions to follow. The integration of technology in education is no longer a luxury but a necessity, and IIM Jammu has taken a bold step in this direction.
