We need to be cautious while implementing AI tools in libraries, says former V-C

AI can be beneficial to libraries, but its excessive use could affect human creativity and thinking abilities. It has both advantages and disadvantages, and librarians must use it cautiously to improve creativity and provide better services, said B.D. Kumbar, former Vice-Chancellor of Davangere University and former professor of library science, in Dharwad on Sunday (September 27). He was speaking at the valedictory function of the State Librarians’ Conference at Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha.

Prof. Kumbar expressed concern over the delay in filling vacancies of librarians across the State. At one time, around 35 librarians worked at the Karnatak University library. But now, only two are currently serving. The government should realise that libraries are institutions that play an important role in shaping the future of children and should develop libraries at all levels, he said.

I.G. Sanadi, former MP, said teachers, libraries and librarians had played a major role in shaping civilisations. “Knowledge gained through reading books remains in the mind for a long time, unlike information accessed through mobile phones and the internet,” he said. He called for model libraries to be established at the taluk level using legislators’ grants. Prof. Sanadi also urged the government to ensure that every gram panchayat has a well-equipped library and a librarian. He said the sangha should take the lead in creating awareness and pressing the government on the issue.

P.V. Konnur, resource person, called for a movement from Dharwad to address problems faced by the library sector, with the sangha leading the initiative. Karnataka State Library Association president S.L. Kadadevaramath criticised the government for failing to recruit librarians. He said the association would hold a protest in Bengaluru on October 5 to press for recruitment. The conference resolved to fill librarian posts at all levels, strengthen rural, school and public libraries, and amend the Karnataka Public Libraries Act, 1965.

Vinayak Bankapur, resource person, presented a comprehensive report on the two-day conference. Outstanding paper presenter awards were given to Krishna Maraddi, Koteppa B. and Shivaranjini Mogali.