If a B-School is the abode of learning for management students, then its library is the shrine. It is a resource that complements their learning process and brings out the best in them. At Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad the well equipped, expansive library reflects the focus on innovative learning that the management institute is known for. And Mr. Raghu Mantha, who has been with the institute for almost a decade remains devoted to its cause. We talk to him about USPs, unique initiatives and simply the abundance of intellectual wealth in the library that makes it stand out.

At VJIM, Hyderabad the library remains central to different aspects of student transition, from acquisition to placements. It remains in close contact with alumni, who have made a place for themselves in the industry. Their inputs along with the faculty members bring dynamic richness to the library. Mr. Mantha reveals its versatile functioning when he says, We have adopted a SoLoMo (Social, Local, Mobile) model from traditional manual registering to library app, SMS, Email, remote access via website, QR code, discussion area and theatre for management.

The library is the B-School’s intellectual property and it has gone from strength to strength. Mr. Mantha, faculty members personally visit stores to add valuable material to already expansive collection of best sellers and other knowledge resources. The head librarian is grateful for the free hand his management gives him and asserts that huge budget makes things easier. Ours is the only library in South India that spends 30% of the library budget on International Journals. The aim is to enhance the learning process for students through modern means, he says.

Vignana Jyothi Institute of Manegement, Hyderabad also hosts a unique annual Library Fest, which brings different stakeholders to one platform and helps them connect with each other and the knowledge resource. According to Mr. Mantha, it is considered to be one of the best practices in the field. The whole activity is organized by students of the Library Club along with the PR committee. We have around 30 publishers participating in the event. Faculty members and students recommend books, we screen a special movie and TED Talks. It brings more foot fall to the library and helps us reach out to a wider audience, he ends on a passionate note.