FORMATION OF TELANGANA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (TSLS) Telangana Library Association was formed in the new State of Telangana. This Association is 25th State Association in 29 States of India. This was formed and inaugurated on Librarian’s Day on 9 August 2014. Prof. M. Kodandaram, Professor of Osmania University and Chairman, Joint Action Committee of all employees Associations in the State inaugurated the Telangana Library Association (TSLA) at the Conference hall, City Central Library, Hyderabad at 10.30 AM on 9th August, 2014. Prof. Kodandaram, Chief Guest of the function in this address said that Knowledge is available in the Society, and those who possess the knowledge are empowered. Many people have come up in the life and made greater achievements by using the available knowledge in libraries and have got an important place in the Society. It is a known fact that the libraries played an important role in the pre-independent India. They were centers for independent and social movements. After independence instead of increased spread of public libraries they are slowly getting reduced over a period of time. Prof Kodandram declared establishment of TSLA by unfolding the registaration certificate of the Association to public. The Hall was full and there was no place to enter into the hall. Many professionals were standing outside and it was for the first time in the State such a gathering was seen for Association meeting. Prof N.Laxman Rao, President, TSLA explained the reasons for starting a new State level Association. He also stated the mission and objectives of the Association as follows: Mission: Libraries for ALL Objectives: 1. To promote the development of all types of libraries in the State of Telangana. 2. To develop programs for capacity building and developing skills for personnel in the field of LIS (Library and Information Science). 3. To organize the lectures, conferences, meetings, symposia in the field of LIS to share and disseminate the knowledge to the LIS professionals. 4. To conduct Continuing Education Programs to share the latest trends / knowledge to the LIS professionals. 5. To act like pressure group for implementing library legislation in the State of Telangana. 6. To act as an advisory body to the Government and other institutions for the development of libraries. 7. To maintain liaison with Regional, national and international agencies and make use of their program, funds and other plans for the development of libraries. 8. To accept grants and donations and use the same for the development of libraries and library professionals. 9. To take up any assignment from any agency or Government in the areas of education and libraries. AND 10.Promoting the technology in libraries for providing quality access to information and knowledge. Further, he also stated that the activities will be organized throughout State and the professionals are consolidated to improve and strengthen the status of public libraries and academic libraries jointly with other State and National level Associations. He also said that this Association will join hands with everyone and organize the programs for quality library services to be provided by the libraries especially public libraries. Earlier Dr.Ch.Ravi Kumar, General Secretary, TSLA invited the guests to the Dias and presented them the banquets. Sri K.Sudhakar Goud, former Head, BRITISH Council, Hyderabad, UNICEF consultant and soft skills trainer made a presentation on the status of public libraries in the State and also gave the statistics showing how the people are being denied of library services in spite of paying the library Cess. He also stressed the need for amending the present public libraries Act to suit to the present day needs. We should be able to achieve the Association’s mission of ‘Libraries for All”, a reality. Dr. E. Rama Reddy, former University Librarian, University of Hyderabad spoke on how technology (ICT) can help the Society to get information / knowledge to every citizen and turn our Society as Knowledge Society. He also stressed the need for optimum utilization and also provide access to all knowledge resources to everyone with the help of ICT. Mr. Vinod Reddy, vice president, TSLA spoke an need for mobilization of resources for public libraries development and also to make use of the available funds for the development of libraries. The Government should help the libraries to build their own buildings and also build good collection to provide efficient services. The meeting continued after inauguration wherein various professionals spoke on the status of libraries, problems of LIS professionals and what the TSLA can do to improve the profession, status of professionals / library services. In the evening the program was closed with vote of thanks. Prof N Laxman Rao President, TSLA Prof. N.LAXMAN RAO, Member, Advisory Board, National Library, Kolkata UGC-Emeritus Fellow (2009-11) Professor in Library and Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad ( super-annuated). Formerly Director, UGC-Academic Staff College (2006-8). Formerly President of Indian Association of Teachers in Library and Information Science ( IATLIS) and Association of British Scholars ( AP Chapter) . ADDRESS: Plot No A-194, H No 1-8-10/1, Ravindra Nagar, Habsiguda, HYDERABAD- 500007. Mobile: 9493701565. email: naglaxman@yahoo.com, naglaxman@gmail.com. -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.