Ludhiana college opens e-library with special facilities for blind students

SCD Government College here has unveiled a state-of-the-art e-library equipped with special facilities for visually impaired students.

The facility will provide students with internet access, along with a wide range of academic journals, e-books, research papers and digital resources. Equipped with modern computer systems, the library will serve as a comprehensive digital learning centre where students can access global academic resources and make education and research more effective.

Officials said the institute became first government college in the state to introduce a special KIBO device for visually impaired students. The device can convert contents of any book into English and regional languages, making educational material accessible to differently abled students. A dedicated cell for specially abled students has also been established on college campus.

Principal Gursharn Jit Singh Sandhu expressed confidence the facilities will encourage greater interest in research among students as well as faculty members. In today’s era of artificial intelligence (AI), the e-library is expected to play a significant role in promoting innovation, digital learning and research culture, he said.

The college recently extended the library timing, keeping in mind the needs of students attending evening classes. The library will now remain open from 8 am to 8 pm. Former students of the college are also benefitting from the library’s services.

Librarian Bharpur Singh said the college will soon introduce printing facilities for students at nominal charges, making study material more accessible and convenient.

The new facilities sparked excitement across campus. “For us, it feels like the world has opened up now. Research papers and journals are just a click away,” said Ritika Sharma, a postgraduate student in English.

Echoing her sentiments, Arjun Singh, another student, said: “The KIBO device is revolutionary. It means no one is left behind and every student can be part of the learning process.”