Office of The Central Library
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural
Sciences and Technology of Jammu
Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Samnotra
“An institution for sustainable agriculture for food and nutritional security”
Visit us at: www.skuast.org
Email:
centrallibrary@skuastj.org
Ph. 7006889623
University Librarian
Central Library, Chatha, Jammu,
J & K 180 009 INDIA
SKUAST
Jammu
Press Release
SKUAST-J Library Achieves Milestone at Prestigious IIT-Kharagpur Symposium on
Knowledge Engineering and Digital Libraries
Jammu, November 10, 2025 – In a remarkable achievement underscoring the innovative spirit of
agricultural academia in the region, the Library of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences
and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) has emerged as the only institution from UTs of Jammu &
Kashmir and Ladakh to have its research paper selected for presentation and publication at the 4th
International Symposium on Knowledge Engineering and Digital Libraries Design (KEDLD-2025),
hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur).
The ground breaking paper, titled “Exploring Open Access Educational Resources (OAER) at
SKUAST Jammu through Ranganathan’s Five Laws”, was presented by L D Mangi, Assistant
Librarian at SKUAST-J, during the symposium. The research delves into the transformative potential
of open access educational resources in agricultural education, reframing them through the lens of
S.R. Ranganathan’s timeless Five Laws of Library Science.
Out of approximately 95 research papers rigorously screened and evaluated by an international
panel of experts, this submission stood out as the singular contribution from the entire J&K and
Ladakh region to secure acceptance for both oral presentation and subsequent publication in the
symposium proceedings. This selection highlights the exceptional quality, relevance, and forward-
thinking approach of SKUAST-J’s library initiatives in the evolving landscape of knowledge
engineering and digital libraries.
The symposium, a premier global platform fostering advancements in digital information systems,
artificial intelligence-driven knowledge management, and sustainable library practices, attracted
submissions from leading academic and research institutions worldwide. KEDLD-2025, scheduled
recently at IIT-Kharagpur, emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations to address challenges in digital
resource preservation, open access advocacy, and innovative educational technologies—areas
where SKUAST-J’s paper makes a compelling case for region-specific applications in agricultural
libraries.
“This acceptance is not just a validation of our scholarly efforts but a testament to the untapped
potential of libraries in driving open knowledge ecosystems, especially in underserved regions like
Office of The Central Library
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural
Sciences and Technology of Jammu
Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Samnotra
“An institution for sustainable agriculture for food and nutritional security”
Visit us at: www.skuast.org
Email:
centrallibrary@skuastj.org
Ph. 7006889623
University Librarian
Central Library, Chatha, Jammu,
J & K 180 009 INDIA
SKUAST
Jammu
ours,” said Prof. R.K. Samnotra, University Librarian at SKUAST-J. “By aligning OAER with
Ranganathan’s principles, we’ve demonstrated how traditional library philosophy can propel modern
digital innovations, ensuring that agricultural knowledge reaches every farmer, student, and
researcher without barriers.” He added, “This journey from Rank 2 at IIT Gandhinagar to becoming
the only accepted paper from J&K and Ladakh at IIT-Kharagpur reflects the relentless pursuit of
excellence by our library team, including Dr. Asha Rani, Dr. Amit Sharma & Dr. Meenakshi Devi “
said Prof. R.K. Samnotra. “By reinterpreting Ranganathan’s Five Laws in the context of OAER, we
have not only honored a legendary library scientist but also demonstrated how open knowledge can
empower farmers, students, and researchers in geographically challenging regions.”
Mangi, whose presentation captivated the audience with practical insights into SKUAST-J’s OAER
implementation strategies, added, “Presenting at IIT-Kharagpur was an honor that amplifies our
commitment to democratizing education highlighting unique initiative of creating Green Zones for
Open Air Reading Area surrounding the entire Central Library Building aligning with fifth Law of
Library Science i.e. Library is a growing organism. From curating open-access repositories tailored
to Jammu’s agro-climatic needs to fostering collaborative networks, this work paves the way for
inclusive knowledge sharing across the Himalayan belt.”
The success of recent endeavors owes much to the unwavering support from the Hon’ble Vice-
Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu, who has consistently appreciated the library team’s initiatives.
Under his visionary leadership, resources have been re-oriented to bolster research capabilities,
digital infrastructure,
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