Knowledge Infrastructure in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era: Revisiting a State Agricultural University (SAU) Library System Report

Authors

  • Pankaj Kumar Ojha Banda University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Jayapradeep M Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

Abstract

The 1999 Expert Committee Report on the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Library and Information System was among the earliest Indian policy documents to anticipate the impact of emerging information technologies on academic libraries. At a time when automation, networking, multimedia, and Internet-based retrieval were nascent, the Committee articulated a forward-looking vision for restructuring KAU’s library system. Many recommendations foreshadowed global transformations in higher education and scholarly communication. Nearly three decades later, however, the assumptions underlying the report have been overtaken by profound technological and organizational change. Libraries have evolved into digital knowledge ecosystems supporting artificial intelligence, open science, research data management, digital scholarship, institutional repositories, and enterprise-wide governance. This paper critically reviews the rationale for rewriting the report’s conceptual chapters generalising it for all SAUs in light of developments up to 2026, arguing that the revised framework represents a paradigm shift from conventional library administration to strategic knowledge infrastructure management.

Author Biographies

  • Pankaj Kumar Ojha, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology

    Pankaj Kumar Ojha has MSc. (Agriculture.) from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India and PhD from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar with Gold Medal; in Extension Education. Is also qualified in Rural Development from IGNOU, Theatre Communication from BHU, MBA (HR & IT) from Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut. Has numerous books, and research papers and popular articles to his credit and was honoured with  National Award AIASA for his contributions. Is presently faculty of Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, India. His areas of interest are Agricultural Informatics, and developing information systems for conserving traditional knowledge at grassroots level.

  • Jayapradeep M, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

    Jayapradeep M holds a PhD in Fisheries Informatics from Karpagam University, underpinned by a diverse career spanning defense and academic information management. A veteran of the Indian Air Force, he transitioned into scientific information support, serving with the Biotechnology Information Centre (Government of India), Kerala Agricultural University, and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. His research specializes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications, knowledge management, and agricultural extension services. He is a prolific author, notably of the book Fisheries Information System, alongside numerous papers addressing library legislation and information policy. His work emphasizes the systematic development and dissemination of digital resources to support the sustainability of the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

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Published

2026-08-03

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026): University Knowledge Infrastructure

Section

Articles

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