Shirpur, June 13, 2026: SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur Campus, in collaboration with the Central Library and Khon Kaen University, Thailand, successfully organized the International Library Symposium on Knowledge and Communication (ILSKCOM–2026) on June 12–13, 2026 at the NMIMS Shirpur Campus.
The two-day international symposium was centered on the theme “Transforming Knowledge Frontiers: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Access (OA) for Sustainable Library Development.” The event served as a vibrant platform for scholarly discussions, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration among library and information science professionals, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts.
The symposium was inaugurated by eminent academician Prof. Dr. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, former Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the evolving role of libraries as trusted knowledge institutions and highlighted the importance of human intelligence, ethics, and community knowledge in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, Professor and Dean, School of Information Science and Technology, who discussed the transformative impact of AI and Open Access on library services and advocated for responsible adoption of emerging technologies while preserving the human-centric nature of libraries.
The symposium witnessed the participation of distinguished experts from India and abroad, including Dr. Kanayart Kwiecien (Thailand), Prof. Dr. Devendra Potnis (USA), Dr. Shashank S. Sonwane, Dr. Joginder Singh, Dr. Banwari Lal, Shri Kishor Ingale, Dr. Chandrakant K. Patel, Dr. Shishir Mandalia, and Dr. Vimalkumar K. Gandhi, among others.
The inaugural function was also graced by Shri Rajgopal Bhandari, Mentor, SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus, and Smt. Rita Patel, In-Charge, SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus, whose presence added significance to the event.
The symposium received an overwhelming response from the academic and professional community, with 305 delegates from India and abroad participating in the event. A total of 135 research papers were presented across multiple technical sessions, covering diverse themes related to Artificial Intelligence, Open Access, digital transformation, knowledge management, information access, library innovation, and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sunita Patil, Director, SVKM’s NMIMS MPSTME Shirpur Campus, highlighted the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and global collaboration. She emphasized that modern libraries have evolved into knowledge creation centers and strategic partners in education and research.
The deliberations during the symposium underscored the need for libraries to embrace technological advancements while safeguarding authenticity, accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical knowledge dissemination. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on AI-enabled library services, open-access ecosystems, preservation of indigenous knowledge, digital inclusion, and the future of sustainable library development.
The successful organization of ILSKCOM–2026 was made possible under the visionary leadership and continuous encouragement of Shri Amrishbhai Patel, President of Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal and Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, and Shri Bhupeshbhai Patel, Joint-President of Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and global collaboration has significantly contributed to establishing NMIMS as a leading institution of higher education. The symposium’s success further reflects the institution’s dedication to fostering knowledge exchange, international partnerships, and transformative initiatives in the field of Library and Information Science.
The institution also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Dr. Ravindra Mendhe, Deputy Librarian and Symposium Coordinator, and all staff members of SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus, and all library staff members whose meticulous planning, tireless coordination, and leadership played a pivotal role in the successful preparation and execution of ILSKCOM–2026. Special appreciation was also extended to Mr. Shivaji Gaikwad, Administrative Officer and faculty and staff members of central department, SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus, for his valuable administrative support and seamless coordination, which contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the symposium. Their collective efforts ensured an enriching and professionally organized experience for all delegates, speakers, and participants.
The symposium concluded with a strong call for strengthening global academic partnerships, promoting open knowledge initiatives, and leveraging emerging technologies to build resilient and inclusive knowledge ecosystems. The successful organization of ILSKCOM–2026 reaffirmed NMIMS Shirpur Campus’s commitment to fostering research, innovation, and international cooperation in the field of Library and Information Science.
