New Delhi, May 1 (NationPress) With the assistance of the Parliament Secretariat, the Delhi Legislative Assembly library is on the verge of transformation into a cutting-edge e-Library through a systematic digitization process. This initiative will utilize advanced IT infrastructure, modern devices, and software solutions, as stated by Speaker Vijender Gupta on Thursday.

During a meeting aimed at revamping the current library, the Speaker underscored the importance of this project in enhancing legislative research and providing uninterrupted access to information in an ever-changing digital landscape.

He noted that establishing an e-Library will not only aid in preserving precious archival materials but also improve efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in legislative practices.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht.

The Delhi Legislative Library was founded in 1952 when the first Legislative Assembly was created and was initially part of the Vidhan Sabha. However, its operations were halted in 1958 due to the reorganization of states.

Subsequently, the library came under the administration of the Delhi Administration Secretariat, and in 1989, its oversight was shifted to the Metropolitan Council Department.

After the Delhi Assembly was reconstituted in 1993, the library was officially renamed the Delhi Legislative Assembly library. Currently, it boasts a significant collection of over 40,000 documents, continuing its essential role in facilitating informed legislative processes, as confirmed by an official.

A range of esteemed experts from prominent academic and administrative institutions participated in the Thursday meeting chaired by Speaker Gupta, offering valuable insights to aid in the planning and implementation of this digital shift.

Participants included H. Saikholian Simte (Director, Lok Sabha Secretariat), Dr. Kumar Sanjay (Director, Library, NITI Aayog), Dr. Pravin Babbar (Librarian, Jawaharlal Nehru University), and Dr. E. Rajalakshmi (Librarian, National School of Drama), among others from the Public Works Department and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

Their discussions spanned various topics, including best practices for library digitization, effective metadata utilization, integration of advanced library management systems, and user accessibility, as stated by an official.

Librarians from Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Parliament Library, and the National School of Drama shared their experiences with the E-Granth Mala platform. The Director of the Parliament library informed the Speaker that all newspapers published since 1947 are available in the library. Dr. Pravin Babbar from JNU highlighted that the university's library has digitized over 680,000 news clippings.