Reinventing Libraries, Shaping Next-Generation Learning Spaces

The NUST Central Library successfully hosted an international conference on “Reinventing Libraries, Shaping Next-Generation Learning Spaces” on 19th September 2024. The event gathered an impressive array of experts, practitioners, and innovators from diverse sectors, including government and development organizations.
The Pro-Rector P&R (Planning & Resources) served as the host for the day, emphasizing the importance of libraries as catalysts for creativity and collaboration. He remarked on how libraries are evolving to meet the diverse needs of learners and the community, reinforcing their role as vital hubs of knowledge. The Director of Academics, Dr. Adnan Maqsood also contributed insightful comments, highlighting that libraries not only support academic achievement but also play a crucial role in cultivating a lifelong learning culture, essential for adapting to the challenges of the future.
Keynote addresses were delivered by distinguished speakers Mr. Ahmed El-Badawy, Regional Manager at Wiley Research, Dr. Kanwal Ameen, Professor Emeritus at IMS University of the Punjab, Syed Javed Gillani, Executive Director of Muslim Hands and Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja, Director General of the Civil Services Academy who collectively shared their visionary insights on the evolving role of libraries in empowering knowledge and shaping future learning and research landscapes. Their talks sparked meaningful discussions about the transformation of libraries into dynamic spaces for innovation and education.
The highlight of the conference was a stimulating panel discussion featuring Dr. Usman Qamar, Professor of Data Science and Head of the Computer & Software Engineering Department at NUST, Dr. Shahid Soroya, Director General of the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) and Mr. Salman Shehzad, Project Director NIBAF Pakistan – State Bank of Pakistan and Ms. Sarah Pervez, Head of Education at the British Council in Pakistan. The panelists engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on the critical role of libraries in advancing education, research, and community engagement, leaving the audience with valuable takeaways.
The conference received an overwhelmingly positive response, with attendees praising the high caliber of discussions and the diverse range of perspectives shared. The Central Library looks forward to continuing its mission of reinventing library spaces to meet the needs of future generations.