Proceedings of the International conference on Marching beyond the Libraries: Talent, Technology, and Transformation (ICMBL 2025)

Beyond Libraries: Bridging Minds and Machines through Mentorship, Networking, and Digital Transformation

Authors
Abinash Dash1, *, Manoj Mishra2, D. B. Ramesh3
1Research Scholar (Dept. of HSS), SOA University, Bhubaneswar, India
2Librarian, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India
3Chief Librarian, Central Library Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India
*Corresponding author. Email: librarian.ihmbbsr@gmail.com
Corresponding Author
Abinash Dash
Available Online 27 March 2026.
DOI
10.2991/978-94-6239-614-2_11How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Mentorship; Networking; Digitization; Professional Development; Library Collaboration; Digital Literacy
Abstract

Mentorship in the field of librarianship has undergone significant changes due to shifts in educational paradigms, advancements in technology, evolving user expectations, and updated professional standards. Additionally, library networking and digitization have become essential tools for collaborative knowledge sharing and professional development. This study examines the relationship between mentorship, networking, and the adoption of technology in modern librarianship. It focuses on how mentorship can enhance skill development, professional resilience, and digital competency among librarians. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, the research involved a dataset comprising 60 librarians from Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), university libraries, and public libraries. The findings suggest that mentorship enhances digital literacy, facilitates networking opportunities, and serves as a catalyst for professional growth and innovation. The study also identified several challenges, including accessibility issues, concerns about inclusivity, training gaps, and the digital divide. In response, strategies for integrating mentorship with emerging technologies were proposed. In conclusion, the study asserts that a structured mentorship program, combined with library networking and digitization, is vital for developing a resilient, skilled, and technologically proficient workforce in librarianship.

Copyright
© 2026 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Download article (PDF)

Volume Title
Proceedings of the International conference on Marching beyond the Libraries: Talent, Technology, and Transformation (ICMBL 2025)
Series
Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research
Publication Date
27 March 2026
ISBN
978-94-6239-614-2
ISSN
2352-5428
DOI
10.2991/978-94-6239-614-2_11How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2026 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Cite this article

TY  - CONF
AU  - Abinash Dash
AU  - Manoj Mishra
AU  - D. B. Ramesh
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/03/27
TI  - Beyond Libraries: Bridging Minds and Machines through Mentorship, Networking, and Digital Transformation
BT  - Proceedings of the International conference on Marching beyond the Libraries: Talent, Technology, and Transformation (ICMBL 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 90
EP  - 98
SN  - 2352-5428
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-614-2_11
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-614-2_11
ID  - Dash2026
ER  -