Kalinga University and IIIT-Naya Raipur to Host International Conference on AI-Driven Library Transformation in June 2026

Raipur : Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, in collaboration with Dr. SPM IIIT-Naya Raipur and with the Chhattisgarh Library Association (CGLA) and the Federation of Health Science Library Association (FHLA) as knowledge partners, will organise the International Conference on “Transforming Libraries through AI for a Smarter Knowledge Future (ICTL–2026)” on June 19 and 20, 2026. The conference will be held in hybrid mode at the auditorium of Kalinga University, allowing participation both online and in person.

The conference is being organised by the Central Library and the Department of Library and Information Science of Kalinga University. According to the conference brochure, the event aims to examine the rapidly evolving role of libraries in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smart knowledge systems.

The organisers stated that the conference will focus on how AI technologies are redefining traditional library functions and transforming libraries into intelligent knowledge ecosystems capable of delivering personalised, proactive, and user-centric services. Discussions will centre on AI-enabled information access, digital resource management, scholarly communication, research productivity, and innovation in library systems.

The conference will also deliberate on ethical and responsible AI adoption in libraries, including issues relating to privacy, transparency, intellectual freedom, equity, and inclusive access to information. The role of librarians as facilitators of digital literacy, technology-driven research support, and future-ready knowledge services will also form a major part of the discussions.

Kalinga University, established in 2013 and located in New Raipur, has been ranked among the top 101–150 universities in India in the NIRF Rankings 2025 for the fourth consecutive year and holds NAAC B+ accreditation. The university currently has more than 8,000 students, over 130 academic programmes, 549 patents, 3360+ research publications, and over 400 recruitment partners.

The Central Library of Kalinga University, spread across 4000 square metres, houses nearly 95,750 books, 20 journals, 12 databases, and multiple digital resources supporting academic and interdisciplinary research activities.

Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Chairman of Kalinga University, and Dr. Sandeep Arora, Chancellor of Kalinga University, are the Chief Patrons of the conference. The Co-Patrons include Prof. (Dr.) R. Shridhar, Vice-Chancellor of Kalinga University; Prof. (Dr.) Srinivasa K.G., Dean Academics, IIIT-Naya Raipur; and Dr. Byju John, Director General of Kalinga University.

Dr. S. Chanderapa, Senior Library Professional at IIM Bangalore and former Vice-Chancellor of Kalinga University, has been named Conference Chair. Dr. Chandrakanta Swain, Librarian at IIM Raipur, will serve as Conference Co-Chair, while Dr. Sunil Kumar Satpathy, Librarian (In-Charge), NIT Raipur, has been appointed Conference Director.

The conference convenor is Dr. Mohammad Nasir, Professor and University Librarian at Kalinga University’s Department of Library and Information Science. Mr. Ajit K. Roy, Librarian (In-Charge), IIIT-Naya Raipur, has been designated as Conference Co-Secretariat.

Several prominent academicians and library professionals from India and abroad are expected to participate as speakers and resource persons. The list includes experts from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, IIT Delhi, KIIT University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Hamdard, DELNET, IIMs, and various central and state universities.

The conference themes cover emerging issues in library and information science, including AI applications in libraries, cloud computing and blockchain in library systems, open educational resources, bibliometrics, green libraries, information literacy, digital inclusion, sustainable development goals, and knowledge management.

The organisers have invited LIS professionals, academicians, researchers, students, and working professionals to submit research papers for presentation. The last date for full paper submission is May 31, 2026, while acceptance notifications will be issued within ten days of submission. The registration deadline is June 10, 2026.

As per the guidelines, manuscripts must be written in English, preferably within 5000 words, and follow APA 7th edition referencing style. All submissions will undergo desk review and blind peer review. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings with DOI allocation, while selected high-quality papers may be considered for publication in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals.

The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 1500 for students and research scholars, Rs 2000 for working professionals, and USD 50 for foreign delegates. Delegates from Kalinga University, IIIT-Naya Raipur, and MoU partner institutions will receive a 50 percent concession in registration fees.

The conference will also feature an optional visit to the Jungle Safari, Tribal Museum, and Musical Fountain in Naya Raipur on June 19, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM, at a participation fee of Rs 250 per person.

For more information, kindly visit the university website: https://www.kalingauniversity.ac.in/