Third Annual Bhutan Library Consortium Conference

On 9^th December, 2014, His Majesty the King launched the 2015 as National Reading Year with an audience of over 10,000 teachers and students at Tendrilthang, Thimphu.  At the same time, over 32 library professionals across the country gathered for the third annual Bhutan Library Consortium (BLC) conference at Samtse College of Education to discuss on how to improve library services in the country. A two day conference was attended by libraries from various colleges, government institutions, Non-governmental organizations and public library.

During the conference, participants had an opportunity to discuss on various issues including how to improve user service to the maximization of limited resources. They further envisage in formulating online union catalogue and digital repository within BLC members. The two days included practical trainings on reference interview skills, basic skills on information literacy particularly on web searching as well as strategic planning for BLC over the next one year. Participants also shared their experiences on the use of online library management systems (Koha) and security systems. More importantly, they have further strengthened their professional network which helps them in professional development.

Most participants said their favorite part of the workshop was the trainings on information searching and reference interviews. It was suggested that next year there be a session on copyright and intellectual property rights. To provide leadership, accountability and continuity, participants have elected Officers (Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer) for BLC and also identified tentative date and host for the next year’s conference. Participants strongly felt that libraries will always remain to provide a safe space for reading and learning.  As Dasho Pema Thinley (former Vice Chancellor) said, “you can judge the intellectual capacity of a society by the quality of its libraries and bookstores”. The two days conference ended by thanking all the participants for their unconditional support for BLC and the management of Samtse College of education for hosting the 3^rd annual BLC conference. BLC will continuously strive to work hard and step further with positive intent for the benefit of every single Bhutanese citizen at large. For this, the BLC Chair urge for teamwork and corporation from all the BLC member libraries across the country which will determine the success of BLC. 

 Participants of BLC conference