KU's 24x7 Library Centre abuzz with activity

Srinagar, Jan 30(NAK): Students and scholars have warmly responded to the Kashmir University's recent initiative of having a round-the-clock library centre on the campus. More than 100 students are using the Centre—inaugurated by the varsity vice-chancellor in December 2008—per day after 6 pm, and on an average, 20 to 25 students stay in the centre throughout the night. Prof Riyaz Punjabi had inaugurated the centre in the ground floor of Allama Iqbal Library, asserting that its establishment was a long-pending demand of the university's students and scholars. Recently the Centre has been provided with internet and proper heating facilities on instructions of the VC, who visited the Centre recently at 9 pm. In addition to transport facility for the convenience of students till late hours, a subsidized tea and coffee stall has been set up in the Centre for students accessing it after 8 pm. "The subsidy is borne by the Iqbal Library," said the chief librarian, Riyaz Rufai. He said the books on Competitive Exams like IAS and KAS are available in the Centre for students. Besides the 24x7 centre, the e-resource centre has too evoked warm response. The Centre—having 53 computers and resources, both print and online, for use of students—has been established with the financial assistance by Farooq Kathwari, CEO and president of Ethan Allen Interiors, a leading home furnishings manufacturer and retailer in the United States of America. Pertinently, the Allama Iqbal Library along with its network of libraries is the largest library system in the state & caters to the academic needs of the large number of University community consisting of faculty members, research scholars, postgraduate and diploma students in various disciplines. It has 16 Divisions in well decorated and centrally heated halls managed by well qualified professional staff. The library also provides useful and research oriented services to the reading community in calm, cozy and clean atmosphere. At present, it has a collection of above four lac books.(NAK)

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