Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and the Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science (IATLIS) successfully hosted the 40th IATLIS National Conference on March 28-29, 2025 at the TISS campus in Mumbai. The conference themed "Reimagining LIS Education: Collaborative Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with NEP 2020 Frameworks within Social Sciences" was well-attended and widely appreciated by participants from across the country.
The two-day conference brought together academicians, LIS professionals, researchers, scholars and students. Attendees praised the event for its outstanding resource persons and distinguished participants which included veteran educators and esteemed IATLIS members. The conference served as a platform for meaningful discussions and networking and connected community in the field of Library and Information Science.
Conference Highlights
The conference addressed several key sub-themes, reflecting the current trends and future directions of Library and Information Science (LIS) education. Discussions covered the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into LIS curriculum, redefining LIS education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the role of digital transformation in preserving and disseminating Indian cultural heritage.
A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of awards recognizing excellence in the LIS community. Prof. Shalini Lihitkar of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) was honored with the IATLIS Best Woman LIS Teacher/Professional Award 2025. She expressed her gratitude noting that the recognition was a "reflection of her passion for education, research and the vital role libraries play in knowledge dissemination". Similarly, Prof. S. Thanuskodi, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science at the Central University of Tamil Nadu, was awarded the Best Paper Award.
Future Outlook
The success of the 40th IATLIS National Conference reinforces the commitment of both TISS and IATLIS to advancing LIS education and research. By bringing together leading experts and professionals, the conference has provided a roadmap for integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern frameworks ensuring that LIS education remains relevant and impactful in the years to come. The organizers are confident that the connections made and the ideas shared during this event will lead to significant advancements in the field.