E-learning has changed the significance, efficacy and functioning of libraries to a large extent. The effects are both varied and exponentially growing. Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals in particular are faced with the challenges of managing their libraries in this age of rapid speed and easy availability. Adequacy of relevant opportunities, retention of the importance of the tangible resources, status of infrastructure, the capability of a Library to reach beyond the portals of its institutional frame work and its ability to transform challenges into potential growth prospects are some of the issues that need both attention and recommendations.

The new age of technology, modes of delivery, type of resources and shift in users’ preferences have challenged LIS professionals to adopt new skills and technologies going beyond the conventional approach to reach out to users independent of location and time. At the same time, these challenges also transform themselves into opportunities that broaden the need for redesigning and restructuring the current systems to serve readers more effectively. On one hand, libraries need to satisfy the standards set by regulatory /accrediting bodies and on the other hand, they have to satisfy their user-demands internally. With a few successes across the library sorority, a large numbers of organizations continue to struggle to maintain balance between regulations and user demands. By focusing on financial priorities, the institutional authorities expect their librarians to justify the need for any addition or expansion of resources and services in the library. This is further delimited by the Copyright, IPR and other legal implications. Proactive and timely intervention is the key to the changing dynamics of the environment in and outside the libraries of today for them to become impacting factors towards successful modification and new product and service facilitation.

The T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal (TAPMI) and Management Libraries Network (MANLIBNET) are jointly organizing an International Conference on “Managing Library and Information Systems in the Digital World: Challenges and Opportunities” on May 7-9, 2015 at Manipal. TAPMI and MANLIBNET are organizing the conference to provide a platform for LIS professionals, teachers, practitioners, researchers and users to address the challenges, enabler and barriers in the effective development and sustainability of present day libraries and the role of librarians in accomplishing so!

The primary objectives of the conference are to:

• Discuss, debate and seek alternatives to manage current libraries
• Provide a platform for professional discussion among LIS professionals in academics, services and Research disciplines.
• Create an environment for expanding professional network, enriching professional skills and experience sharing
• Identify best practices followed by various libraries
• Address the problem areas and to lead a way for managing such problems
• Recommend Government and other bodies for devising suitable policy measures.

The conference includes keynote speech, invited lectures, paper presentations, panel discussions, product demos and report of the conference. The MANLIBNET will also hold its General Body Meeting during the conference. MANLIBNET will present the Best Librarian and Best paper awards during the conference. The conference will have concurrent sessions depending on number of papers received.

“Managing Library and Information Systems in the Digital World: Challenges and Opportunities”

The core theme of the conference addresses the current issues and lead way to identify possible solutions to manage libraries. LIS educators, practitioners, researchers and elite library users are invited to submit research papers on core theme or any the following sub themes. The list is an indicative and authors can choose other topic related subject area related to core or sub themes.

• The length of paper: about 5000 words; single spacing; Times New Roman- 12 font size.
• The paper should highlight the current trends/issues.
  
• The paper should be submitted in word format only (.doc/docx).
  
• The first page should contain title, author’s name, contact details, an abstract of 100 words and keywords.
• The second page should have the title of the article followed by the text.
  
• Pictures/tables/charts/diagrams should be in B/W
• The references need to follow APA style of Rendering.
  
• Full papers can to be mailed to manjunath@tapmi.edu.in or manlibnet.secretariat@gmail.com
• Correspondence will be made only with the principal author.
  
• Paper presenters will receive certificates at the conference.
  
• The accepted papers should be submitted along with registration fee to consider the paper for including in Conference proceedings.

Note: All the papers submitted for conference will go through the process of review by editorial committee and reviewers. Based on the recommendations from reviewers, the authors be appropriately communicated about the paper. The accepted papers should be submitted along with registration form on or before the due date for submission.

• LIS educators, practicing professionals and researchers.
  
• IT Professionals
  
• Knowledge managers, corporate librarians and publishers
  
• Academicians/users in management and technical education

Note: * The subsidized Registration Fee includes Conference Kit, Accommodation, Meals and library facilities
** Includes Hostel accommodation charges for three days only. The campus facilities beyond three days are available on chargeable basis and Participants need to pay charges as per the Prevailing policies of TAPMI.
For wire/NEFT Transfer: bank details are given below as well as in Registration form. If fee is remitted online, please mention UTR No. date and payer name in the registration form.

Important: The completed registration form along with Registration fee should be sent to organizing secretary before April 20, 2015. On receiving an acceptance communication, the participants are required to pay the registration fee to consider the paper for presentation and to include in the conference proceedings.

Nearby places of tourist Interest: Historically, the coastal part of Karnataka is also known as “Bhargava or Parasurama Kshetra”, the land created for saint Parasurama (one of 10 incarnations of lord vishnu) by Samudra Raja (king of ocean) for his Tapasya and other activities. The region is known for its religious activities and all major temples in this region serve food for devotees as Prasadam.

The Udupi and Dakshina Kannada (undivided Dakshina Kannada) districts are known for famous Beaches, temples, historical churches, and forest. Agumbe peak 45 Kms from Udupi is known for its highest rainfall and sunset view point.

Beaches: Kapu, Malpe, St. Mary’s Island, Maravanthe.

Temples: Udupi- Sri Kirishna, Sringeri- Sri Sharada Devi- Kollur- Sri Mookambika Devi, Dharmasthala- Sri Manjunatha, Kukke- Sri Subramanya; Kateel – Sri Durga Paremeshwari, Mangalore – Kudroli/Mangaladevi/Kadri

Churches: Mother of sorrows, Udupi, St. Lawrence Church, Attur-Karkala; St. Aloysius Church, Mangalore.