++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Call for Papers ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Annual Conference on “Bridging the Gap: Trends in Library and Information Science” *Dates*: January 20-22, 2026 *Venue*: Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore Centre, Bangalore, India Website: https://drtc.isibang.ac.in/lib-bridge/ We are pleased to invite submissions for the Annual Conference on “Bridging the Gap: Trends in Library and Information Science,” organized by the Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), Indian Statistical Institute. This in-person event will take place from *January 20-22, 2026*, at the ISI Bangalore Centre. DRTC has long played a pivotal role in advancing the field of Library and Information Science (LIS), fostering collaboration, innovation, and transformative discourse. This conference aims to bring together LIS professionals across the academic, special, and public libraries, scholars, educators, and technology innovators to explore and address the rapidly evolving landscape of the discipline. The conference will serve as a platform for presenting cutting-edge research, methodologies, and case studies. It aims to foster meaningful dialogue among researchers and practitioners, with a shared goal of redefining objectives, benchmarks, and curricula to align LIS education and practice with emerging technologies and user needs. Through focused sessions and collaborative discussions, participants will engage in shaping a forward-looking vision for LIS, with an emphasis on relevance, innovation, inclusivity, and societal impact. We invite 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. 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 *2. 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 *3. 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 *4. Design Thinking for Library Innovation* Personalized Services Accessibility and Inclusive Design in LIS Services Green library, Eco-friendly library *5. Policy, Ethics, and Social Responsibility* Ethics of Information Access and Censorship Privacy, Surveillance, and Data Ethics in Libraries Libraries as Agents of Social Justice *6. 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 Normals *7. 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* *Call for Papers Open*: Submissions are now welcome! *Deadline to Submit Full Paper*: 1st October 2025 *Confirmation of Acceptance*: 17th November 2025 *Upload of Camera-Ready Manuscript: *25th November 2025 *Author Registration Deadline*: 25th November 2025 *Non-Author Registration Deadline*: 5th January 2026 *Convener: * Dr. Biswanath Dutta, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore, India