*Call for Papers* LIB-BRIDGE 2026 DRTC-ISI Conference on “Bridging the Gap: Trends in Library and Information Science” Connecting Practice, Education, and Innovation in LIS *Date:* *March 11-13, 2026 * *Venue:* Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore Centre, Bangalore, India Website: https://drtc.isibang.ac.in/lib-bridge/ *The Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), a premier institute for Library and Information Science (LIS) in India, has long played a pivotal role in advancing the discipline through collaboration, innovation, and transformative discourse. DRTC is pleased to announce a three-day conference on “Bridging the Gap: Trends in Library and Information Science”. The event will also include a half-day collocated workshop on “Data Management.”* *Workshop on "Data Management" * Data plays a crucial role across academia and industry, supporting research, evidence-based decision-making, and policy formulation while fostering transparency, business opportunities, and collaborative studies. This half-day workshop aims to deliver data management fundamentals, the principles of data sharing, and best practices in data curation. It will also introduce participants to *data repository tools and technologies* through a series of *presentations and interactive demonstrations* highlighting practical applications. *About the Conference* Lib-Bridge 2026 conference aims to bring together professionals, researchers, and innovators to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Library and Information Science (LIS). In response to technological advancements and changing user needs, the event will feature expert panels, research presentations, and brainstorming sessions that explore current trends, disruptions, and innovations shaping the discipline. It seeks to foster collaboration among academics, industry experts, and practitioners to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital era. Serving as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, the Lib-Bridge 2026 will promote dialogue on redefining professional goals, competencies, and curricula in line with technological progress. Through interactive discussions and collaborative planning, participants will work towards developing a forward-looking framework that enhances the relevance, inclusivity, and innovation of LIS education and practice. The conference invites the submission of original research papers, conceptual analyses, case studies, and practice-based insights that address the conference theme and its associated sub-themes. The submissions on related topics beyond these areas are also welcome. *1. Knowledge Organization and Discovery* Reimagining Metadata for a Semantic Web Linked data and knowledge graphs in LIS Information Retrieval in Complex Digital Environments Multilingual and Multicultural Information Systems *2. Metrics and Statistical Applications in LIS* Librametrics Bibliometrics, Scientometrics, and Altmetrics Models and Frameworks in LIS Research Quantitative methods in LIS Emerging Trends and New Approaches in Metric Studies Tools and Technologies for Metric and Statistical Evaluation *3. Technology and digital transformation* AI and Machine Learning in libraries Digital Libraries and Repositories: Future Directions Data Management and Research Data Services Decentralized Information Systems and services *4. Roles and skills in LIS* Emerging skills in LIS in the digital era Curriculum innovation in LIS education Interdisciplinary collaboration in LIS training User Experience and Access *5. Design Thinking for Library Innovation* Personalized Services Accessibility and Inclusive Design in LIS Services Green library, Eco-friendly library *6. Policy, Ethics, and Social Responsibility* Ethics of Information Access and Censorship Privacy, Surveillance, and Data Ethics in Libraries Libraries as Agents of Social Justice Privacy and Sensitivity in Data and Information Management *7. LIS in Practice: Case Studies & Innovation Labs* Smart Libraries: Integrating IoT and Automation Collaborative Spaces and Makerspaces in Libraries Post-pandemic LIS: Lessons Learned and New Normal *8. Forward Thinking and Strategic Planning* Foresight and Scenario Planning in LIS Benchmarking Innovation: Metrics and Impact Assessment The Future of LIS Education: Global Perspectives *Important Dates (*https://drtc.isibang.ac.in/lib-bridge/call_for_paper*)* - *Call for Papers Open:* Submissions are now welcome! - *Registration Open*: Participants are invited to register. - *Deadline to Submit Full Paper*: 21st December 2025 - *Confirmation of Paper Acceptance*: 15th January 2026 - *Upload of Camera-Ready Manuscript*: 22nd January 2026 - *Author Registration Deadline*: 25th January 2026 - *Non-Author Registration Deadline*: 30th January 2026 - *Workshop Registration Deadline*: 30th January 2026 - *Lib-Bridge Conference (+ Workshop)*: 11 - 13 March, 2026 For more information about the event, please visit the conference Website https://drtc.isibang.ac.in/lib-bridge *We cordially invite you to contribute to and participate in the conference, and help make this event a grant success*. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at drtc.conf2025@drtc.isibang.ac.in, with a CC to bisu@drtc.isibang.ac.in We look forward to seeing you all at the LIB-BRIDGE 2026 at DRTC, Bangalore. *Dr. Biswanath Dutta * Convener, Lib-Bridge 2026 Associate Professor and Former Head, DRTC Indian Statistical Institute Bangalore Centre Bangalore, Karnataka, India