IIM Jammu's Nalanda becomes first smart library in Jammu, puts 2.5 lakh books online
The Nalanda Library at the IIM Jammu is being positioned as Jammu’s first smart library, combining digital resources, RFID technology and spaces designed for how students study today.
The fully computerised facility uses the KOHA Library Management System and integrated Radio Frequency Identification technology for access, tracking and management of resources. Librarian Shailesh K Lohiya said the aim was to make the library a place students would want to use despite growing dependence on digital learning.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryA LIBRARY THAT COMES TO YOUThe library gives students access to more than 56 databases, around 2.5 lakh e-books and over 23,000 e-journals. About 88 to 90 per cent of its resources are digital, while print books remain available for course-related study and reference.
Its collection covers academic research, company and sectoral information, socio-economic indicators, newspapers and research-support tools. The library is also part of the One Nation One Subscription initiative.
Students can use a dedicated web portal to check resources, see real-time availability and book creative spaces and discussion rooms. Digital resources can be accessed 24/7 from across campus, including hostels, and while students are away for training, internships or competitions.FROM QUIET STUDY TO CASE DISCUSSIONS
The library has a silent zone for assignments, reading and reference work, alongside discussion rooms with interactive panels. These rooms are used for case discussions, placement interviews, online presentations and collaborative academic work, particularly by MBA and business students.
The facility also has a 12-terminal Bloomberg Finance Lab, while Artificial Intelligence has been integrated into its digital ecosystem. Lohiya said the library was among the strongest in Jammu and the region for technology integration.STUDENTS CAN ACCESS IT ANYWHERE
For students, the digital system means less time spent searching for books, rooms and databases.
Pushti, a third-year student in the five-year integrated programme, said she uses the resources from her hostel room and while travelling home. She said the website provides information on book and room availability and how to access resources that are unavailable.
“All the information is available on the website, so everything is literally at my fingertips,” she said, adding that it saves time.RESEARCHERS GET MORE DATA
For PhD scholars, specialised databases are a major advantage. Sheikh Junaid Yaqoob, researching economics and the business environment, said IIM Jammu provides access to ProQuest and CMI databases that are unavailable at many local universities.
He said some specialised resources are not covered by One Nation One Subscription and remain mainly available at reputed institutions.
Marketing PhD scholar Okar Singh said the library had developed significantly since he joined in 2023. He highlighted the MyLOFT application, which he described as “the library at your fingertips”, allowing students to access library services through one app.
The approach reflects IIM Jammu’s effort to blend library services with technology without removing the value of physical books.
