Mankind has witnessed many revolutions over the period of several centuries. Earlier it was the agricultural revolution which transformed the mankind and the way societies are established and prospered. Then, the spurt in the several inventions led to the great industrial revolution, which brought in several comforts and eliminated drudgery, and repetition involved in many manpower driven processes. However, no revolution has had such a significant effect like that of Knowledge revolution. This has completely changed the way we communicate, share and build societies. This has led to the formation of a new discipline "Knowledge Management" and enhanced the role played by the library and information professionals. Knowledge Management is the process of transforming the information and intellectual assets into enduring value. It connects people with the Knowledge that they need to take action. For the human society, knowledge has become a significant asset that brings in progress and prosperity.

Libraries and information centers play a very vital role of facilitation in the knowledge dissemination process. Be it an academic library, special library or a public library, information professionals are continuously making efforts to provide information, knowledge needed by the users for their specific requirements.

Keeping this in view, Indian Library Association is organizing its 55^th Annual conference on "Library and Information Science in Digital Era" at Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida in association with Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development from 21-24 January 2010.

The Birla Insitute of Management Technology, Greater Noida was established in 1988 under the aegis of the Birla Academy of Art and Culture. The Institute is supported by B. K. Birla group of companies. Dr. (Smt.) Sarala Birla, Chairperson of Birla Academy and Smt. B. K. Birla, Chairperson of B K Birla Group of Companies are the founders of the business school. It has progressed from a moderate start to the 12the rank in India . The Board of Governors comprises eminent people from industry, headed by Sri R N Jaju, President, ECE Industries Ltd. The fully residential campus of Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), located in the National Capital Region, provides a highly conducive academic environment, interaction with industry-academia mix professors, proximity to the strategy makers of the industry and practitioners of the service and manufacturing companies, exposure to the international universities and companies, and a ready profile of strong alumni base spread throughout the world.

Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development came into existence in 2009. It aims to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and information at the grass root level by setting up Libraries in the rural areas. The society's primary goal is intellectual development of the under privileged sections of society so that they can avail competitive employment opportunities and lead a dignified social existence.

This conference is expected to be a major forum focusing on various aspects of libraries and information centers in Digital era. It facilitates exchange of ideas and helps in bridging the knowledge gap in these areas. It is expected to become a platform to bring together a galaxy of experts, researchers, academics, students, and others.

On behalf of Organising Committee, I take this opportunity to invite you to this conference and also request you to share your views by contributing papers and be the delegate in the conference.