Al-Azhar College of Arts & Science successfully organized a One-Day State-Level Seminar titled "Beyond the Shelf: Re-engineering Academic Libraries for Excellence" on 27 June 2026 at the Smart Classroom, Al-Azhar College of Arts & Science. The seminar was organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) in association with the Al-Azhar Library Network, in collaboration with the Kerala Library Association (KLA), Ernakulam Region.
The seminar was designed exclusively for librarians and focused on the evolving role of academic libraries in the contemporary educational landscape. The sessions addressed key areas such as modernization of library infrastructure, management of digital repositories, research support services, and strategies for meeting accreditation and quality benchmarks.
The programme commenced with a solemn prayer, creating a serene and auspicious atmosphere for the day's proceedings.
Mr. Shammas Basheer, Vice Principal and IQAC Coordinator of Al-Azhar College of Arts & Science, delivered the welcome address and formally welcomed the dignitaries, resource persons, and participants. He highlighted the significance of the seminar in strengthening institutional quality assurance and promoting academic excellence.
The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Somasekharan B. Pillai, Academic Dean of Al-Azhar Group of Institutions. In his address, he emphasized the importance of creating a holistic academic ecosystem and underscored the pivotal role of libraries in higher education.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by Dr. K. M. Paijas, Executive Director of Al-Azhar Group of Institutions. During his inaugural address, he appreciated the institution's efforts in organizing such academically enriching programmes and reiterated the management's commitment to providing world-class educational infrastructure and opportunities.
Mr. Arun Gopal, Academic Dean of Al-Azhar College of Arts & Science, offered the felicitation address and encouraged participants to actively engage in professional development initiatives and collaborative academic activities.
The seminar featured insightful sessions by two distinguished resource persons from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT):
- Mr. Joe Joseph, Retired Assistant Librarian, CUSAT
- Dr. Shibu Ray S., Retired Deputy Librarian (Academic Level 14), CUSAT
The resource persons shared their extensive experience and expertise on emerging trends in academic librarianship, digital repositories, research support systems, and accreditation frameworks, providing valuable insights to the participants.
The valedictory session included participant feedback collection and expressions of gratitude to the organizing committee, collaborating organizations, and resource persons. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Renju A. R., Library Coordinator, Al-Azhar Library Connect, who acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders in making the programme a grand success.
Certificates of participation were distributed to all registered attendees in recognition of their professional engagement and participation.
The seminar successfully fulfilled its objective of encouraging academic libraries to evolve "beyond the shelf" by equipping library professionals with contemporary knowledge and practical strategies to support institutional excellence, research advancement, and quality assurance initiatives.
