2nd National Conference on Development of Digital Libraries in IPR Regime (December 21-22, 2019)

Madhu Limaye Library of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow organized two days 2nd National Conference on Development of Digital Libraries in IPR Regime on December 21-22, 2019. In his welcome address, Prof. Subir K Bhatnagar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow welcomed the guests and highlighted issues related to the digital library and copyright.

The Conference was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. He said that libraries are the heart of any institution. He elaborated the initiatives such as Shodhganga, NDL, ePGPathshala etc taken by the government in making available digital content to the academic and research organizations.

Special Guest Dr. Vinay Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow mentioned that the tech-nationalism of China is one of the examples to move ahead in a technology-driven society. He emphasized the role of AI technology in the libraries. He also advocated consortium based acquisition of eresources for cutting down the cost.

The conference compendium consisting of full papers was released by the guests.

Keynote speaker Prof N Laxman Rao, Emeritus Professor of Library & Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad talked about the Open Access movement and Hathi Trust. He briefly explained the role of creative commons and copyright issues with reference to open access, commercial and free resources. He also requested that the awareness of copyright is very much required in digital environments.

The resource persons from NLUs, IITs, IIMs and other universities discussed future of law librarianship in India, emerging technologies for libraries and digital rights management and access rights management. They were convinced that awareness of copyright laws in digital environment is very much required and it should be taken care of seriously. It will help to reduce the copyright infringement related cases. Plagiarism, research ethics and open access should be taken care of as per copyright and IPR environment. The LIS associations of India should come under one umbrella and work for the welfare of the society.

In his closing address, the organizing secretary, Dr. Maneesh Kumar Bajpai said the Conference would help in developing the digital libraries as per the copyright laws in India. It increased knowledge and awareness on the Indian Copyright Act, Fair Use, Open Access, IPR Issues, Creative Commons and Plagiarism, etc. The Conference was attended by over 300 delegates from all over the country. The participants were from prominent institutions and organizations of India which includes LIS professionals, teachers & students, Law teachers, students & professionals and information technology professionals.