On July 29, 2024, Gujarat Arts and Science
College’s Veer Shahid Vinod Kinariwala Pustakalay hosted a comprehensive
Library Orientation Program for the new batch of first-year B.Sc. students.
Held in M-5 of the Main Building, specifically in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Hall, the event aimed to familiarize students with the library’s resources,
facilities, and services.

The presentation commenced with an engaging
introduction by the Librarian Dr. Sandip Patel , who outlined the program’s
objectives and emphasized the crucial role of the library in supporting
students’ academic pursuits. The Librarian’s address set the tone for the
session, highlighting how the library could be a vital resource throughout
their academic careers.

Following the introduction, the presentation
delved into the key features of the library. Students were guided through a
virtual tour of the library’s layout, including essential areas such as the
Reference Section, Reading Room, E-Library, Stock Area, Web-OPAC, and the Circulation
Desk. The presentation provided a clear visual understanding of the library’s
layout and how to navigate it effectively.

A significant portion of the presentation focused
on explaining the library’s catalog system and online databases. Students were
shown how to search for books, journals, and other materials using the
library’s catalog, and were introduced to various electronic resources and
research databases available to them. This segment was crucial in helping
students understand how to access and utilize the vast range of materials
offered by the library.

To ensure practical understanding, the
presentation included interactive elements where students were encouraged to
engage with the material. A Q&A segment was integrated into the
presentation, allowing students to ask questions and receive immediate
responses regarding library services and usage.

Following the presentation, students visited the
library to explore its facilities in person. This hands-on experience allowed
them to familiarize themselves with the various sections and resources they had
just learned about, reinforcing their understanding and providing them with a
practical opportunity to navigate the library’s layout. The visit was guided by
library staff, who offered additional assistance and answered any remaining
questions the students had, ensuring they felt comfortable and confident in
using the library for their academic needs.

Overall, the Library Orientation Program successfully
met its objectives. The Veer Shahid Vinod Kinariwala Pustakalay team looks
forward to supporting students throughout their academic journey.