KU marks World Book & Copyright Day, launches AI-powered chatbot

Srinagar April 23:  The Allama Iqbal Library (AIL), University of Kashmir (KU), organised an event to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day at the Main Campus on Thursday.
Held on the theme ‘The power of reading: Enriching minds, elevating institutions and empowering societies,’ the event focused on encouraging reading habits and strengthening engagement with library resources among students and scholars. It also aimed at deliberating on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and concerns related to plagiarism in the evolving academic landscape.
On the occasion, the University launched the AIL Chatbot, a digital assistant designed to support users with queries related to library services, availability of resources, and facilities. The chatbot also offers chat and call features to improve access and user support. A live demonstration of the tool was conducted during the event.
Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her address, said, “Reading remains central to academic life, even as digital tools reshape how knowledge is accessed. Initiatives like these help strengthen both traditional and technology-driven learning practices.”
She further added that the integration of digital solutions such as the chatbot can enhance user experience and make library services more accessible and efficient.
Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, in his remarks, emphasised the continued relevance of libraries as academic spaces and noted the importance of adapting to changing learning environments.
Earlier, Librarian, AIL, KU, Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Lone, in his welcome address, highlighted the efforts being made to modernise library services and promote reading culture within the University.
The AIL newsletter was also released on the occasion. Students who recorded the highest reading engagement at the library and the top 10 users of AIL e-resources were felicitated on the occasion. They expressed satisfaction with the range of offline and online resources, services, and facilities available at the library.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Uzma Qadri, while Ishaq Lone proposed the vote of thanks, Assistant Librarians at AIL KU.