The Odisha Library Academy (OLA) successfully organized its 10th Annual Convention and the seminar on “Insights into Modern Methods and Technologies – Optimizing Library Access” (IMMT-OLA) at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar. The event also marked the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science in India, commemorating National Librarians’ Day.

The day began with a ceremonial lamp lighting and floral tribute to Dr. Ranganathan, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahu, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IMMT and Organising Secretary of IMMT-OLA 2025.

In his presidential address, OLA President Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo emphasized the evolving role of libraries in democratizing knowledge access and promoting inclusive growth. He underlined the importance of modernizing library systems through technology and collaboration.

The Chief Guest, Shri Amar Kumar Nayak, Hon’ble MLA of Badchana, praised OLA’s contribution towards promoting digital literacy and urged for greater investment in library infrastructure across Odisha. Guest of Honour, Shri Jiban Ballav Jena, Principal of Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack, stressed on the role of libraries in empowering women and students. OLA also highlighted key issues of librarians in Odisha, including pay scale revision, enactment of a Library Act, hosting a Library Festival, and government recognition of librarians — to which Shri Nayak assured to raise these concerns in the Assembly.

The event witnessed the release of the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Library & Information Society and the felicitation of eminent library professionals — Dr. Paramananda Mishra, Dr. Rabindra Kumar Mahapatra, Dr. Banamber Sahoo, and Dr. Braja Kishor Dalai — for their outstanding contributions.

Seminar sessions featured thought-provoking presentations by experts such as Dr. Kishor Chandra Satpathy (ISI Kolkata), Dr. S. Kannan (IIM Sambalpur), Dr. Satyajit Rath and Dr. T. Pavan Kumar (CSIR-IMMT) on topics including Artificial Intelligence in librarianship, bibliometric analysis, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Nabin Kumar Dhal, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IMMT, along with Dr. Bamana Parida, Retired Professor of Utkal University. The session was chaired by OLA Vice-President Dr. Dipak Kumar Khuntia, with reflections from Seminar Director Dr. D.P. Sandha and OLA Joint Secretary Dr. Prangya Das.

The convention reaffirmed OLA’s commitment to advancing library science and digital access, inspiring attendees to lead the next chapter of transformation in the field.