IIM Kashipur hosts the landmark 25th library consortium: All 21 IIMs unite to strengthen scholarly partnerships

A significant turning point in the ongoing cooperation between the libraries of the Indian Institutes of Management was reached on September 25, 2024, when the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur had the privilege of hosting the 25th IIM Library Consortium. The heads of the libraries at all 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) were present at the event. This esteemed Consortia Meet, taking place over three days from September 25 to 27, 2024, will feature over forty-five database companies.

The collective goal of the IIM libraries to promote resource sharing through cooperative resource acquisition, processing, and distributed utilization, in addition to interlibrary loans, is the foundation of the consortium.

Professor Madhurima Deb, the chairperson of the library committee, gave the welcome speech and Professor Somnath Chakraborty, the acting director of IIM Kashipur, lit the ceremonial lamp to officially launch the Consortia Meet. The event was graced by prominent members of the IIM Libraries Consortium and other notable dignitaries of IIM Kashipur along with Chief Administrative Officer Col. Ajay Kumar Upadhyay, who extended his best wishes for successful conduct of the program. Distinguished guests in attendance included Prof. Madhurima Deb, Chair of the Library Committee and Assistant Professor in the Marketing Area, Prof. Rameshwar Shivadas Ture, Chairperson of OBHR, Prof. Mridul Maheshwari, Assistant Professor in the OBHR area, Prof. A.V. Raman, Professor in OBHR and the Librarian, Dr. Mohammad Asif Khan.

After the inauguration, the consortium members, distinguished faculty, and dignitaries of IIM Kashipur gathered for a group photo. In keeping with IIM Kashipur's commitment to sustainability and intellectual progress, the event also included a Knowledge Tree planting ceremony in which dignitaries and consortium members took part.

Day 1 of the consortium continued with insightful presentations by esteemed publishers and partners, including ProQuest, Bharat Book Bureau, Cambridge University Press, and Sage Publications to name a few. These sessions provided invaluable perspectives on the latest trends in scholarly publishing and resource management, contributing to the consortium’s mission of enhancing academic resources across all IIM libraries. Upon review, the IIM librarians will make decisions regarding pricing and user utility in order to acquire resources for all IIMs.

The 25th IIM Library Consortium successfully reinforced the collaborative efforts of the IIM libraries and underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and sustainability in academic excellence. IIM Kashipur, as the proud host of this landmark event, looks forward to the continued growth and success of the consortium in the years to come.