Transforming State Agricultural University Library and Information Systems into Knowledge Ecosystems: A Contemporary Framework for Organisation and Professional Staffing

Authors

  • M Jayapradeep Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies image/svg+xml
  • Pankaj Kumar Ojha Banda University of Agriculture and Technology

Keywords:

Agriculture, Libraries, Digital Transformation, Knowledge Ecosystems, Artificial Intelligence, State Agricultural Universities, SAUs, Staffing

Abstract

Libraries have evolved from collection-centred institutions into dynamic knowledge ecosystems that support education, research, innovation, policy, and public service. This transformation is particularly significant in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), where timely access to knowledge underpins teaching, research, extension, and technology transfer. Recognising this need early, Kerala Agricultural University constituted an Expert Committee on Library and Information System in 1998, whose recommendations provided a foundation for strengthening library infrastructure and professional staffing. Nearly three decades later, advances in artificial intelligence, open science, research data management, digital scholarship, institutional repositories, knowledge analytics, and information governance have fundamentally reshaped the information landscape. This paper revisits and updates selected recommendations of the 1998 report, proposing a contemporary framework for transforming SAU library and information systems into knowledge ecosystems through organisational reform and professional staffing. It should be read alongside the accompanying review of the 1998 report and relevant ICAR and SAU policies, statutes, and regulations.

Author Biographies

  • M Jayapradeep, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies

    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.

  • 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.

References

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Published

2026-08-03

Issue

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

Section

Articles

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