The 11th International Library and Information Professionals Summit (ILIPS) is a prominent event in the ILIPS Series, initiated by the Society for Library Professionals in 2012 and held at the international level since 2016.

The ILIP Summit on New and Innovative Services in the Digital Era brought together more than 221 professionals from 11 countries across the globe from 13 to 14 April 2023. This diverse gathering provided a platform for professionals to share experiences, learn from one another, and discuss the future development of libraries in the context of ownership and access.

The conference commenced with a keynote address by Ms Liz Jolly, Chief Librarian of the British Library, followed by speeches from Prof Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, and Barbara Lison, President of IFLA. Notable addresses were also given by Prof K Mallikharjuna Babu, VC, Prof Awadesh Kumar, Pro VC, and Prof Renu Luthra, Advisor to the Chancellor of Galgotias University.

With three facilitated technical sessions and presentations, the conference encouraged practical discussions among all participants. The plenary session featured eminent speakers who shed light on contemporary issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Throughout the two-day event, the technical sessions sparked engaging discussions on various themes such as emerging and innovative technology applications in libraries, including mobile, web, and semantic technology. Topics like collection development and management in the electronic age, re-envisioning library spaces, open access, and enhancing user satisfaction in libraries were also extensively discussed.

Eminent speakers from the profession delivered talks during each technical session, including Dr Seema Ramprasad from the UK, the President of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). The conference also featured product presentations by industry partners such as Refread, Balani Infotect, Turnitin, and more.

For Galgotias University, the conference was a significant undertaking as the inaugural edition of its biennial conference and as an introduction to a growing network of professionals interested in new and innovative library services. The event delved into the foundations of information science and provided a platform for participants to learn from diverse experiences.

 

The event attracted a wide range of participants, including information science practitioners, researchers, information technology professionals, content and knowledge managers working in libraries, and individuals interested in incorporating new library approaches into their work and policies. It fostered a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals from various countries, offering opportunities for networking, learning, and the exploration of ideas. The papers contributed for each technical session added to the enriching experience of the event.

 

This event was made possible with the kind support from RRRLF, DRDO, CSIR, Society for Library Professionals, CELECT, Turnitin, and EBC/SCC Online.

Contributed by Debal Chandra Kar, University Librarian, Galgotias University, Vice-Chair, IFLA Regional Division Committee for Asia-Oceania