Srinagar:The Allama Iqbal Library (AIL), University of Kashmir (KU), organised an event to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day at the Main Campus on Thursday.
The event centered on the theme “The power of reading: Enriching minds, elevating institutions and empowering societies,” aimed to promote reading habits and enhance engagement with library resources among students and scholars. It also addressed the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and plagiarism concerns in the academic realm. A significant highlight was the launch of the AIL Chatbot, a digital assistant designed to assist users with inquiries about library services and resource availability. The chatbot features chat and call options to improve user access and support, with a live demonstration presented during the event. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the enduring importance of reading in academic life, even as digital tools transform knowledge access. She noted that initiatives like the chatbot enhance user experience and accessibility of library services. Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada reinforced the relevance of libraries as academic spaces and the necessity of adapting to evolving learning environments. Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Lone, Librarian at AIL, highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize library services and foster a reading culture within the University. The event also saw the release of the AIL newsletter and recognized students with the highest reading engagement and top users of AIL e-resources, who expressed satisfaction with the library’s diverse offline and online offerings. The proceedings were managed by Uzma Qadri, with Ishaq Lone delivering the vote of thanks, representing the Assistant Librarians at AIL KU.
