Nalanda Library, IIT Ropar

Nalanda Library, is pleased to share the published article, “Developing a Subject/Research Guide for Academic Libraries: A Case of IIT Ropar Library,” featured in Library Hi Tech News by Emerald Publishing. The paper is grounded in the practical implementation of the Subject Guide developed at Nalanda Library, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar.

This case study presents how the IIT Ropar Library successfully implemented the SubjectPlus platform to develop subject and research guides that enhance the discovery and use of library resources. The guides provide users with organised access to subject-specific print collections, e-resources, databases, and research support tools through user-friendly A–Z and discipline-wise navigation.

The initiative has significantly improved access for students, faculty, and researchers by enabling seamless on-campus and off-campus use of curated academic resources. The paper also offers practical insights for academic libraries planning similar digital knowledge support services.

Authors: Dr Harpreet Koura, IIT Ropar | Gurwinder Singh, Former Trainee, IIT Ropar | Dr Dinesh Siddaiah, IIT Ropar

Link to article: https://www.emerald.com/lhtn/article/doi/10.1108/LHTN-03-2026-0046/1357125

Nalanda Library, IIT Ropar | IIT Ropar | Dinesh Siddaiah | Harpreet Koura

Inauguration of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) Facility by Hon'ble Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja. Placed inside the library premises, the HPC facility aims towards bolstering support to the Institute's technological infrastructure.

Nalanda Library, | Indian Institute of Technology Ropar | Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | V Jamwal

We were delighted to welcome Dr Nabi Hasan, Librarian at the Central Library, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi), to Nalanda Library, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, earlier today.

Although it was a brief visit, it provided a valuable opportunity to showcase our library spaces, services, and ongoing initiatives. His insights and experience in academic librarianship were truly inspiring.

Such interactions strengthen professional connections and promote the exchange of ideas, contributing to the growth of academic libraries.

Thank you, Dr Nabi Hasan, for visiting our library. We look forward to more such meaningful engagements in the future.

Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | V Jamwal | Satyam Kumar Mahto

Nalanda Library at Indian Institute of Technology Ropar is celebrating International Women’s Day with a special Book Display highlighting inspiring literature on women’s achievements, leadership, and contributions to society.

This curated collection brings together books that showcase the voices, stories, and accomplishments of remarkable women from different fields and backgrounds.

We invite faculty, researchers, staff, and students to visit the library and explore these insightful resources that celebrate empowerment, equality, and knowledge.

Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

Nalanda Library at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar is pleased to introduce informative bookmarks featuring PressReader, Scopus, and One Nation One Subscription (ONOS).

Each bookmark provides concise access details along with QR codes, enabling faculty, staff, researchers and students to conveniently explore these resources.

We invite you to visit the library, collect a bookmark, and take full advantage of these valuable resources and reading platforms as part of this initiative to promote informed research and academic excellence.

Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

Nalanda Library, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, had the honour of welcoming the Institute’s Founder Director, Prof. M. K. Surappa, on 25 February 2026. His visit was a moment of great encouragement and inspiration for the library team.

During his visit, Prof. Surappa interacted with the library professionals, observed the facilities and services, and shared valuable insights and constructive suggestions. His thoughtful appraisals and forward-looking perspectives were truly empowering and motivating for the team.

He also engaged in a meaningful discussion on publication metrics and strategies for enhancing the quality, visibility, and impact of the Institute’s research output. His guidance will play an important role in strengthening Nalanda Library’s continued efforts to support the academic and research community.

The Nalanda Library team sincerely expresses its gratitude to Prof. Surappa for his visit, encouragement, and visionary suggestions. We look forward to implementing his insights to further advance our services and contribute to the Institute’s research excellence.

Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

Nalanda Library at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar proudly marked a significant milestone with the formal launch of its new Digital Research and Knowledge Platforms—namely, the Publication Dashboard, Digital Archive, and Nalanda Chatbot.

The platforms were formally inaugurated by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, who graced the campus as the Chief Guest on 24 February 2026 during the Institute’s 18th Foundation Day celebrations.

Publication Dashboard

The Publication Dashboard, developed by Nalanda Library, is a dynamic data portal showcasing IIT Ropar’s scholarly publications since 2009. It provides granular filtering by year, document type, author, and co-authorship. The dashboard systematically categorises articles, conference papers, books, reviews, and editorials, and features an export option that allows users to download data in Excel format for analysis and reporting.

Digital Archive

The Digital Archive is designed to ensure the long-term preservation of IIT Ropar’s digital assets, maintaining their authenticity, integrity, and usability for future generations. Powered by Omeka, the platform enhances accessibility, safeguards valuable institutional materials, and enables users to access resources anytime, anywhere through a unified online interface. By centralising digital collections, the Archive makes knowledge widely accessible to the academic and research community.

Nalanda Chatbot

The Nalanda Library Chatbot delivers instant, interactive assistance by responding to user queries, facilitating book searches, and providing real-time support within an integrated question-and-answer interface. It ensures seamless and efficient navigation of library services, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

Together, these initiatives represent a major step forward in expanding access to scholarly resources, strengthening digital infrastructure, and advancing research and academic excellence at IIT Ropar.

Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

Nalanda Library, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, successfully organised an IEEE Author Workshop on 18 February 2026 to guide researchers, academicians, and professionals in publishing high-quality scholarly work in IEEE journals and conferences. The session was conducted by Mr. Ranbir S Sedhey, IEEE International Client Services & University Partnership Program Manager, who delivered a comprehensive overview of current IEEE initiatives and publishing opportunities. Participants were systematically guided through the complete publication process, from manuscript preparation to submission and dissemination within the IEEE platform.
The workshop was highly informative and interactive, covering key aspects of scholarly publishing, including developing research ideas, structuring manuscripts, ethical publishing practices, and effective submission strategies. Attendees gained valuable insights into enhancing research visibility, improving manuscript acceptance rates, and aligning their work with international publishing standards.

Key Highlights of the workshop:

Given a brief about the IEEE publication recommender
Understanding Open Access Publishing with IEEE
Choosing the right publishing route and complying with funder mandates
Publishing with IEEE Access & Open Research Platforms
Exploring open.ieee.org for transparent and reproducible research
Writing high-quality technical papers following IEEE best practices
Selecting the right journal or conference
Identifying and targeting the appropriate research audience
Understanding what editors and reviewers look for
Navigating the peer review process effectively
Responding confidently to reviewers’ comments
Structuring research papers for maximum academic impact
Explained! Why are papers rejected and retracted?
Through this initiative, Nalanda Library continues to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the academic community by fostering research excellence, strengthening scholarly communication, and promoting a culture of high-quality research and publication within the IIT Ropar fraternity.
Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

Nalanda Library, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, was pleased to host students and faculty members from DAV College, Jalandhar, for a dedicated Library Orientation Visit at Nalanda Library.

The orientation session introduced participants to the library’s modern infrastructure, RFID technology, automated circulation system, various magazines, diverse print collections, specialised library sections, and extensive digital resources. Attendees were also guided through key scholarly databases, research support services, access facilities, and best practices for effective information retrieval and academic research.

The interactive session aimed to strengthen information literacy skills and enhance awareness about the effective utilisation of library resources for teaching, learning, and research.
Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

The Nalanda Library at IIT Ropar recently hosted interns from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) for a month. Ms. Kajal, Ms. Shweta, and Ms. Ritika Katoch have successfully completed their one-month internship as a part of their academic requirement.

During their time at Nalanda Library, they engaged with physical aspects of the curriculum with dedication, discipline, and a genuine eagerness to learn. Their commitment and sincere efforts were truly appreciated by the team at Nalanda Library.

The knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience they gained here will surely help them grow academically and support them in their future professional journeys.

The library team wishes them all the very best and continued success in their future endeavours. 🎉
Dinesh Siddaiah | DrTarvinder Singh Handa | Harpreet Koura | Satyam Kumar Mahto

🇮🇳 Celebrating Republic Day, the spirit of India 🇮🇳
Freedom. Democracy. Knowledge.
Nalanda Library wishes everyone a Happy Republic Day!