LIB-BRIDGE 2026 DRTC-ISI Conference on “Bridging the Gap: Trends in Library and Information Science” *Dates:* 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. Invited Speakers - Prof. Fausto Giunchiglia (Professor, Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Italy) - Prof. Allen Renear (Professor and Special Advisor for Strategic Initiatives, School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA) - Prof. Partha Sarathi Mukhopadhyay (Professor, University of Kalyani, India) - Prof. Fernando Loizides (Director of the Data Science Academy, School of Computer Sciences & Informatics, Cardiff University, United Kingdom) - Dr. Rajesh Singh (University Librarian, University of Delhi, India) - Dr. Umeshareddy Kacherki (Librarian & Head, JRD Tata Memorial Library, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India) - Dr. S. N. Chari (Director (Documentation), NASSDOC, ICSSR, New Delhi) - Anuj Singh (Associate Director, Knowledge Engineering, S&P Global) (....More Speakers TBA) *Important Dates (*https://drtc.isibang.ac.in/lib-bridge/registration*)* - *Registration Open*: Participants are invited to register! - *Confirmation of Paper Acceptance*: 22nd January 2026 - *Upload of Camera-Ready Manuscript*: 27th January 2026 - *Author Registration Deadline*: 27th January 2026 - *Non-Author Registration Deadline*: 30th January 2026 - *Lib-Bridge Conference*: 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 great 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