Staff Report

LAHORE: The Institute of Information Management (IIM), University of the Punjab, Lahore, hosted 2nd Student-led conference on “Emerging Issues in Library & Information Management” (EILIM) on 15th November 2023. This one-day conference was organized by the PhD class (2020-2025) under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Nosheen Fatima Warraich and Prof. Dr. Shafiq Ur Rehamn of IIM. The  event served as a vibrant platform for students to share their innovative research through engaging oral and poster presentations.

EILIM, now in its 2nd year, attracted current and recently graduated M.Phil. and Ph.D. students, The conference aimed to explore contemporary challenges, advancements, and future trends in the ever-evolving landscape of library and Information science / management.

The conference opened with a short speech by the conference secretary Mr Murtaza Ashiq (a PhD students) highlighting the objectives, backgrounds and needs of this student-led conference.

The Patron-in-Chief and the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood, commended the students for their dedication to advancing knowledge within the field. Dr. Khalid highlighted the importance of such student-led initiatives in shaping the future of Library and Information Management.

Distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Amy VanScoy, Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo, USA, shared insights from her research on Reference Information Services.

Her engaging presentation inspired attendees to think critically about the evolving role of libraries in the digital age by providing innovative reference services to the users.

Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Abdul Hameed, distinguished professor at the University of Management & Technology. He talked on  Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA).

Prof. Dr. Nosheen Fatima Warraich, Director of the Institute of Information Management (IIM), shared her perspectives on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing emerging challenges. Her remarks underscored the need for a holistic approach in preparing future professionals to navigate the dynamic landscape of information management. She expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments. “EILIM not only provided a platform for our students to showcase their research but also fostered a collaborative environment for the exchange of ideas. The enthusiasm and dedication of our students are truly commendable.”

The heart of the conference was the exceptional oral and poster presentations by the students. A total of 14 oral presentations and 12 posters were presented during the conference. Topics ranged from digital archiving and information literacy to user experience and the integration of artificial intelligence in library services. The high quality and diversity of research showcased the students’ commitment to advancing the field.

The Organization Committee of EILIM extends its gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, guest speaker, keynote speaker, and director for their valuable contributions to the success of EILIM. Plans for the next edition of the conference are already underway, promising to build on the success of this year’s event.