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Emerging Technologies: AI in Libraries – Reflections from a National Conference
by sp.arumugam@gmail.com
On February 13–14, 2026, I had the privilege of delivering an invited talk on “Emerging Technologies: AI in Libraries” at the National Conference on Information Landscape: Trends and Innovations in Public and Academic Libraries, hosted by Vellalar College for Women. The conference brought together academicians, librarians, and information professionals from across India to reflect on the evolving landscape of public and academic libraries. The energy throughout the two days was inspiring—there was a shared recognition that libraries are entering a transformative phase driven by intelligent technologies. Libraries in the Age of Artificial Intelligence In my session, I explored how Artificial…
Beyond Telescopes: Libraries, Archives, and the Invisible Backbone of Astronomy
by sp.arumugam@gmail.com
I was truly honoured to participate as a Resource Person for Technical Session IV, titled “Beyond Telescopes: Libraries and Archives in Advancing Astronomical Research,” at the International Symposium on Space Science and Technology, held on 30 January 2026 at Holy Cross College (Autonomous). Looking Beyond the Instrument When we think of astronomy, we often imagine powerful telescopes, observatories perched on mountaintops, and cutting-edge instruments scanning the skies. But behind every major discovery lies an invisible yet powerful foundation — libraries and archives. My session focused on how libraries and archives: Astronomy does not advance through observation alone. It advances through…
Social Media as a Catalyst for Community Engagement in Public Libraries
by sp.arumugam@gmail.com
At the National Conference “Driving Community Empowerment: Advancing Sustainable Public and Academic Libraries Through Technology and Collaboration” (GTNLIB 2025) held on 07–08 November 2025 at G.T.N. Arts College, I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on how social media can function as a catalyst for community engagement in public libraries. In an era where much of public interaction happens online, libraries must extend their presence beyond physical walls and become active participants in digital spaces. Social media is no longer optional—it is integral to visibility, relevance, and community connection. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X allow libraries…
Uniting 100+ Countries for Archives: My Experience at ICA Barcelona 2025
by sp.arumugam@gmail.com
It was an incredible honour to represent the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) at the International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain (21–25 October 2025). The ICA Congress is one of the most prestigious global gatherings in the archival profession, and this edition brought together more than 2,000 participants from over 100 countries — archivists, records managers, researchers, policymakers, technologists, and heritage professionals — all united by a shared commitment to preserving memory, democracy, and justice. The scale, diversity, and intellectual energy of the Congress were truly inspiring. Catalonia emerged as a vibrant hub for innovation in…
A Remarkable Experience in Promoting Sustainable Libraries
by Arumugam Pitchai
I had the distinct privilege of serving as part of the organizing team for the International Conference on “Building Sustainable Libraries for Connecting Communities: Librarianship, Technology, and Collaboration,” held on 7th and 8th February 2025 at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. The conference brought together distinguished library professionals, academicians, and researchers from across the globe to deliberate on advancing sustainable library practices through technology and collaboration. As a Session Coordinator, I successfully managed four parallel sessions, ensuring the smooth conduct of discussions across multiple thematic tracks. Collaborating with session chairs, co-chairs, rapporteurs, and paper presenters was both enriching and…
Redefining Archival Access: Our Research on Designing Integrated Online Finding Aids
by Arumugam Pitchai
I am delighted to share that our article has been published in the Q2 Scopus-indexed journal Preservation, Digital Technology & Culture (PDT&C), published by De Gruyter. The paper, titled “Designing Integrated Online Finding Aids: Leveraging Content Analysis and Design Thinking for Effective Site Navigation and Wireframe Development,” is a collaborative work authored by Pitchai Arumugam, Singarayar Jayachristrayar, Rajendran Rega, and Jesus Rayar. This study explores an innovative approach to designing unified and user-centred archival portals by integrating content analysis and design thinking. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, archives serve as vital custodians of cultural and historical memory. Yet, their…
Empowering Libraries Through Open-Source Innovation: My Experience at the Koha ILMS National Seminar
by Arumugam Pitchai
I had the distinct honour of serving as the Resource Person for the One-Day National Seminar on “Koha – Integrated Library Management System (ILMS)”, held on 23rd September 2025, and hosted by the. PG Department of Library and Information Science, Vellalar College for Women (Autonomous), Erode. From the moment I entered the institution, I was met with an atmosphere of genuine enthusiasm and scholarly energy. The faculty and students of the Department of Library and Information Science demonstrated exceptional professionalism and passion for learning. Their keen interest in exploring how digital technologies like Koha can reshape library practices created an…
“A Moment of Honour: Receiving the National Best Librarian Award 2025”
by Arumugam Pitchai
I am profoundly privileged to have been conferred the “National Best Librarian Award 2025” by the Madras Library Association (MALA) — a distinguished professional body with a long and illustrious history of advancing the field of Library and Information Science in India. This recognition was bestowed upon me during the 133rd Birth Anniversary Commemoration of Padmashree Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, held at the Anna Centenary Library, Chennai, in the presence of eminent academicians, library professionals, and scholars from across the nation. Receiving this honour from MALA, one of the oldest and most respected library associations in the country, stands as…
“Preserving Scientific Heritage: Integrated Pest Management at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Library”
by Arumugam Pitchai
I am pleased to share our recent research publication titled “Preserving the Scientific Legacy: An Integrated Pest Management Approach from a Heritage Astronomy Library,” published in the Gold Open Access journal Restaurator. International Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material. This study focuses on implementing sustainable pest management strategies to safeguard rare and valuable collections in heritage libraries. As historical and scientific archives continue to face threats from biological agents, it becomes crucial to adopt preventive and environmentally conscious methods. Our research aimed to develop an integrated approach that can guide library and archival professionals in protecting their…

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I am delighted to have you here. This website shares my professional work, projects, and academic contributions, offering reliable information and useful resources. Thank you for visiting. I look forward to connecting with you.
— Dr. Arumugam Pitchai

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