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, had successfully organized the International Library Symposium on Knowledge and Communication (ILSKCOM–2026) on June 12–13, 2026.
Centered on the theme “Transforming Knowledge Frontiers: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Access (OA) for Sustainable Library Development,” the two-day symposium brought together library and information science professionals, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from India and abroad for knowledge sharing and international collaboration.
The symposium witnessed participation from distinguished experts from India and abroad and received an overwhelming response, with 305 delegates participating and 135 research papers presented across technical sessions covering AI, Open Access, digital transformation, knowledge management, library innovation, and sustainable development.
The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, former Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who highlighted the evolving role of libraries as trusted knowledge institutions and emphasized the importance of ethics, human intelligence, and community knowledge in the AI era.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, who discussed the transformative impact of AI and Open Access on library services and advocated the responsible adoption of emerging technologies while preserving the human-centric nature of libraries.
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, emphasizing the role of libraries as knowledge creation centres and strategic partners in education and research.
The successful organization of ILSKCOM–2026 was made possible under the leadership and 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.
The institution acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Ravindra Mendhe, Deputy Librarian and Symposium Coordinator, faculty, staff, and the library team of SVKM's NMIMS Shirpur Campus. Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Shivaji Gaikwad, Administrative Officer, for his valuable support and coordination.
The symposium concluded with a focus on strengthening global academic partnerships, promoting open knowledge initiatives, and leveraging emerging technologies for sustainable and inclusive knowledge development, reaffirming NMIMS Shirpur Campus's commitment to research, innovation, and international collaboration.